New zoning of entertainment venues will not affect existing premises near schools as long as they abide by the law, Justice Minister Paiboon Koomchaya said on Wednesday.
Although the government does not want pubs in the vicinity of schools, when the new zoning is enforced the government will not insist that exisiting premises near schools must close right away, Gen Paiboon said.
The venue operators had misunderstood the government's intentions.
When the zoning regulations come into force, existing entertainment places near schools could remain in business, but they must not break the law -- for example, by being open after-hours, being too noisy, selling drugs or allowing gambling. If they break the law they would be closed for good.
New operating licences would not be issued for premises near schools, Gen Paiboon said.
Entertainment venues well away from schools would be closed for five years if they violate the law, the justice minister added.
Wisit Wisitsora-at, director-general of the Department of Juvenile Protection and Observation, said the new zoning details had yet to be finalised. With the enforcement of existing laws, 94 entertainment places had been recently closed in 25 provinces and 35 police officers had been transferred for dereliction of duty.