News Summary

• Thailand on Wednesday lifted a 53-year-old ban on the afternoon retail sale of alcoholic drinks.
• The move is expected to help boost year-end holiday tourism, as well as business at venues such as bars and convenience stores.
• An afternoon ban on selling beer, spirits and wine was enacted in 1972, when Thailand was under military rule.
• Thailand is predominantly Buddhist and the religion discourages imbibing intoxicating substances, though drinking is common.
• While sales end at midnight, customers at nightlife venues are allowed to keep drinking until 1 a.m.