Mayor Lalita’s clarification follows Patong Municipality issuing a notice earlier this week announcing that Makha Bucha Day is listed under the Prime Minister’s Office announcement (No. 3) as a day on which the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited nationwide.
Violations carry penalties of up to six months in jail, a fine of up to B10,000, or both, under Section 39 of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act B.E. 2551 (2008), the notice warned.
Ms Lalita confirmed that all shops, restaurants and bars without an entertainment venue license will be prohibited from selling alcohol. Only international airports, hotels and licensed entertainment establishments will be permitted to sell alcohol during the ban.
The new rules regarding the nationwide alcohol ban for the five major Buddhist holidays observed in Thailand came into effect after being published in the Royal Gazette on May 9 last year.
Under the new rules, sales are permitted at international airports, “entertainment areas”, hotels, and sites hosting approved national or international events.
However, the term “entertainment areas” has caused much confusion, as the term was undefined in the promulgated new regulations.
Ms Lalita explained to The Phuket News the term “entertainment areas” in Patong has been interpreted to mean only businesses legally licensed as entertainment venues.
As such authorities are allowing only venues holding an “entertainment establishment license” to operate as usual, Ms Lalita said.
As a result, shops, restaurants and bars without such licences are prohibited from selling alcohol, even if located on Bangla Rd, one of Phuket’s most prominent tourist areas.
Patong Council President Weerawit Kreuasombat, who continues to serve as President of the Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA), warned strongly, “Licensed entertainment venues can sell alcoholic beverages as usual, but any unlicensed entertainment establishment that secretly sells alcohol will be arrested if discovered by authorities.”
“Only entertainment licences are exempt – not liquor licences,” he repeated.
Patong Police Chief Pol Col Korakrit Khanthakrue also warned that the restrictions apply to venues on Bangla Rd. “In summary, on Makha Bucha Day, the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all locations, except where permitted by law,” he said.
CHERNG TALAY
Pol Col Ekkarat Plaiduang, Chief of Cherng Talay Police, reiterated that businesses must refrain from selling alcohol on Mar 3 unless they clearly meet the exemption criteria.
“Establishments holding general business licenses do not automatically qualify,” he said. “Operators uncertain of their status should coordinate with the registrar or district office to confirm whether they meet the legal requirements.
“Only establishments with the proper entertainment license are permitted,” he added.
PHUKET TOWN
Pol Col Chatree Chukaew, Chief of Phuket City Police, also confirmed the same understanding will apply in Phuket Town.
“It must be an entertainment establishment license, not merely a liquor sales licence,” he said.