The National Alcohol Policy Committee has agreed to scrap the long-standing ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages between 2pm and 5pm, citing the need to boost spending during festive seasons.

The new regulation is expected to take effect 15 days after public consultation, without needing cabinet approval.

However, the panel has yet to decide whether to extend drinking hours at entertainment venues.

Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Zarum said the move aimed to stimulate tourism and economic activity during peak periods such as New Year and Songkran.

“The afternoon sales ban was introduced long ago to prevent civil servants from drinking during office hours. But that era is over — government officials no longer drink in the afternoon. Today, officials do not go out drinking during working hours, so the ban should be lifted,” said Mr Sophon.

Tourism operators had proposed extending closing hours to 4am, but the Ministry of Public Health and medical experts have opposed the idea, citing accident statistics showing a spike in deaths from 2am to 3am, Mr Sophon said.

The deputy prime minister confirmed that the ban between 2pm and 5pm would be revoked, while the final decision on whether drinking hours would be extended to 2am or 4am depends on further talks.