Night venue operators say 4 a.m. closure will greatly boost revenue

NIGHT entertainment venue operators expect the extended closure to 4 a.m. in certain areas of four provinces, namely Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Chonburi, from Dec. 15 onwards as announced by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will greatly increase revenue during the New Year holidays, Matichon newspaper.

In a survey of these operators conducted by this newspaper it was found that most of the respondents are certain this pilot project will boost revenue in all dimensions by minimum 30% or around 2 to 3 billion baht during the upcoming festive season

With this step expected to draw more tourists to the country, the respondents foresee economic activity doubling in the New Year.

Meanwhile Mr. Thanakorn Kuptajit, advisor to the Alcohol Beverage Business Association, thanked the Prime Minister for giving the go-ahead for night venues to close at 4 a.m.in certain zones of these four provinces as a pilot project to see whether doing so will generate income for the economy as a whole.

“Starting this on Dec.15, which is the high season, is timely in accommodating nighttime tourists. Opening entertainment venues till 4 a.m. will generate more income from tourist spending,” he said.

He urged the government to lift the ban on sale of alcohol from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and adjust any zoning where the ban is to remain.

While this extension is unlikely to draw more foreign tourists to Thailand it will increase opportunity for tourist spending, he said, adding this will lead to job growth and increase cash flow.

CAPTIONS:

Top: A band playing music in a nightclub. Photo: Unsplash

Front Page: Bangla Road at Patong beach, Phuket. Photo: Nicolas Lannuzel (CC BY-SA 2.0)

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