Khao San Road to Allow 4am Closing for Bars and Restaurants
Khao San Road to Allow 4am Closing for Bars and Restaurants. Imagine a vibrant street in Bangkok, filled with the sounds of laughter, clinking glasses, and lively conversations. This is Khao San Road, a popular tourist destination known for its bustling nightlife and eclectic mix of bars and restaurants. In an effort to boost tourism and support local entrepreneurs, the Thai tourism minister is considering extending the closing hours of establishments in selected tourism zones, including Khao San Road, from the current 2am to 4am.
The move has garnered support from the majority of bar and restaurant owners on Khao San Road, who believe that the extended hours will provide a much-needed economic boost after the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this proposal is not without opposition, as critics argue that extending drinking hours may lead to an increase in alcohol-related incidents. As the Thai tourism industry eagerly awaits a decision from the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, the anticipation for the potential transformation of Khao San Road into a vibrant hub that never sleeps continues to grow. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/give-it-a-try-bangkok-khao-san-road
Benefits of Allowing 4am Closing for Bars and Restaurants
Boosting tourism
Allowing bars and restaurants to stay open until 4am can have a significant impact on boosting tourism in the selected tourism zones. By extending the closing hours, foreign tourists, who make up 70% of overall visitors, will have more time to explore the vibrant nightlife of these areas. This will not only attract more tourists but also encourage them to spend more money, thereby stimulating the local economy.
Supporting local entrepreneurs
The extended closing hours can be a lifeline for local entrepreneurs who have been struggling to stay afloat amid the economic downturn caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. By allowing them to operate until 4am, these businesses will have more opportunities to generate revenue, which can help them recover from the financial losses they incurred during the extended shutdowns. This support can be crucial in revitalizing the local economy and preserving jobs in the hospitality sector.
Reopening after Covid-19 shutdowns
The pandemic has had a devastating impact on the tourism industry, forcing many businesses to shut down temporarily or even permanently. Allowing 4am closing for bars and restaurants can serve as a crucial step towards reopening these establishments safely. By implementing the appropriate regulations, such as controlling noise levels, authorities can ensure that the reopening process is smooth while still prioritizing the well-being of the surrounding communities.
Regulations to Control Noise
Drafting regulations
As the Tourism and Sports Ministry works towards implementing the 4am closing for bars and restaurants, drafting regulations becomes vital to maintain a balance between the needs of the businesses and the concerns of the communities. These regulations should focus on controlling noise levels during the extended hours to prevent disruptions and nuisances to the surrounding areas. By setting clear guidelines and standards, the authorities can ensure that the nightlife establishments operate responsibly without causing disturbance.
Preventing nuisance to surrounding communities
One of the main concerns when extending the closing hours is the potential nuisance it might create for the surrounding communities. To address this issue, it is crucial to implement measures that prevent excessive noise and disturbances. This can be achieved through soundproofing techniques, regular monitoring of noise levels, and strict enforcement of noise regulations. By doing so, both the businesses and the local residents can coexist harmoniously, allowing for a vibrant nightlife while maintaining the peace and tranquillity of the community.
Implementation Plan
Approval from Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration
Before implementing the 4am closing for bars and restaurants, the Tourism and Sports Ministry will seek approval from the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA). This step is essential to ensure that all necessary precautions and safety measures are in place to prevent the spread of the virus. By obtaining the approval of the CCSA, the ministry can proceed with confidence, knowing that the extended opening hours align with the overall efforts to mitigate the risks associated with COVID-19.
Expected timeline for implementation
The Ministry aims to have the extended closing hours implemented in the last quarter of the year, just in time for the high season. This timeline allows businesses to prepare for the changes, ensuring that they have the necessary resources and staff in place to cater to the increased demand during the peak tourism period. By providing a clear timeline, the Ministry enables businesses to plan accordingly and adjust their operations to accommodate the extended closing hours successfully.
Selected tourism cities
The 4am closing will initially be implemented in eight tourist cities: Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Phang-nga, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Koh Samui, and Chiang Mai. These cities have been selected based on their popularity among foreign tourists and their vibrant nightlife scenes. By starting with these cities, the Ministry can assess the impact of the extended closing hours and make any necessary adjustments before potentially expanding the initiative to other areas in the future.
Opposition to 4am Closing
Centre for Alcohol Studies’ opposition
The Centre for Alcohol Studies (CAS) has openly opposed the idea of extending Thailand’s pub hours to 4am. Their opposition is based on research and statistics from other countries, such as Australia and Iceland, which showed that longer opening hours led to increased drinking and related issues. Despite the CAS’s concerns, the Ministry believes that by implementing strict regulations and controls, the potential risks can be mitigated, and the benefits of the extended closing hours can be maximized.
Risks of increased drinking and accidents
One of the main concerns raised by the CAS is the potential increase in drinking and related accidents that may result from the extended closing hours. While it is important to acknowledge these risks, it is equally important to note that with proper regulation and enforcement, the chances of such incidents can be significantly reduced. By implementing measures such as strict alcohol control, increased police presence, and stringent penalties for drunk driving, the Ministry can ensure the safety of both the patrons and the general public.
In conclusion, allowing 4am closing for bars and restaurants in selected tourism zones can bring about several benefits. It can boost tourism, support local entrepreneurs, and aid in the reopening of businesses affected by the Covid-19 shutdowns. However, it is crucial to address concerns related to noise control and take into account the opposition from the Centre for Alcohol Studies to ensure the implementation is carried out responsibly. By striking a balance between the needs of the businesses and the well-being of the surrounding communities, the extended closing hours can contribute to a vibrant nightlife scene while maintaining a safe and harmonious environment for all.
