The protest would have begun yesterday (November 14) and continued to Monday (November 16).
"I have negotiated with [Patong bar operators] about this telling them to hold on and close at 2am as authorities have requested for the good image of the province. Also, [Patong bar operators] will be good host in helping to welcome guests of the Asian Beach Games," said Weerawit.
He insists that bar operators are holding on until after the Asian Beach Games. If the bars still have to close at 2am after that, bar owners will revisit their options on how to push back against the measure.
"Initially, [Patong bar operators] decided to protest because they use to close later, at 3am, and this is the beginning if high season which they could make more money."
Weerawit said he understands that there is a law that says bars are allowed to operate until 1am maximum, but Patong is different.
“Patong has a different nature. People start going out around 11pm then they can have only two hours to hang out if we close as the law mentions.”
“The extra one hour that we have should be announced officially. I think bars here are pleased to pay more tax for the extra hour as a special zone.”
He insinuated that, apart from cutting business profit of bars in Patong, the law opens the door for corrupt officers to make shady deals with bar operators.
The bar workers in the area told The Phuket News that they all heard about the protests, cancellation and law measures. They are ready to close if all the owners make a decision.
“High season has just started. Normally, we can make around B60,000 a night. If we have to close earlier, the number of tourists coming to bars will drop," said a woman working in Soi Bangla's bar.
Meanwhile, Kathu police denied that they have heard about this plan officially but saw some activity on Facebook.
"We do not have a report about this so far. However, the law is law. [Bar operators] have to respect it," they said