Bangkok
AP
—
Thailand on Wednesday lifted a 53-year-old ban on the afternoon retail sale of alcoholic drinks, a move expected to help boost year-end holiday tourism, as well as business at venues such as bars and convenience stores.
The ban from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. will be lifted on a trial basis for 180 days, after which its effects will be evaluated.
An afternoon ban on selling beer, spirits and wine was enacted in 1972, when Thailand was under military rule, though the original reasons for the measure are now obscure. Thailand is predominantly Buddhist and the religion discourages imbibing intoxicating substances, though drinking is common.
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