413 Bars in Bangkok ask permission to reopen as restaurants

More than 400 bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues in Bangkok have applied for permission to reopen as restaurants. The venues have been closed since April due to strict disease control measures. The government delayed its plan to allow bars and nightclubs to reopen in mid-January due to the Omicron outbreak in Thailand, but decided to allow the venues to apply for permission to reopen as restaurants.

In Bangkok, and other provinces classified as “blue” zones, alcohol sales at restaurants is allowed, but only until 9pm. A total of 413 places applied for permission to reopen as restaurants and some are still being assessed by officials.

According to Bangkok’s Secretary, the entertainment venues that want to reopen have to follow the “Covid-19 Free Setting” measure and be approved under standards set by the Safety and Health Administration. All staff members must be…