A government committee has rejected a proposal to scrap the long-standing ban on sales of alcoholic beverages between 2pm and 5pm, citing the risk to public health and safety.

The Thai Alcohol Beverage Business Association had requested the change, saying it would be consistent with the government’s plan to promote tourism.

All representatives from the ministries of Public Health, Tourism, Interior, Finance, and Social Development and Human Security, and other experts were unanimous that the afternoon sales ban should stay in place.

The committee’s decision will be forwarded to the National Alcoholic Beverage Policy Committee, which will have the final say when it meets on Monday.

The afternoon ban is not covered in the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, but was contained in an announcement put in place by a coup maker in 1972.

The committee discussed the pros and cons of extending selling hours for liquor, wine and beer, but participants expressed concern about a possible increase in alcohol-related accidents.

Over the recent New Year holiday period about 3,000 road accidents, or 25% of the total, were caused by alcohol consumption.

Evidence also indicates a rise in social impacts and alcohol-related criminal activity since authorities agreed to extend hours for serving alcohol in selected locations to boost tourism.