Bars, pubs, and other nightlife entertainment venues are hoping to finally open again on July 1st following a promise by the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Sunday.
An official draft for approval is scheduled for submission to the government on Friday when an announcement regarding the full details for the reopening of nightlife in Thailand is expected.
Part of the draft includes a long list of 22 rules and regulations that all entertainment venues must follow should they open again at the beginning of next month.
These so-called “iron-clad” rules are non-negotiable, with all venues required to comply strictly with every regulation during the first weeks of reopening.
Below is the full list of 22 rules that pubs, bars, and entertainment venues must follow:
1. Control and restrict the number of people entering the premises to maintain social distancing measures
2. All staff and customers must undergo temperature checks
3. Ensure there is an adequate amount of hand sanitizer gel available at the entrances and exits
4. A maximum of five people may sit together as a group
5. Ensure that there is enough space for queuing customers before entry
6. Each table must have at least two meters distance or a partition installed
7. Guests must maintain social distancing with at least one meter between each other
8. Ensure proper ventilation throughout the premises
9. Dancing and singing by customers is prohibited
10. Replace all menus with a single-use sheet of paper
11. Serve drinks in glasses only – no bottles
12. All staff must wear both face masks and face shields
13. Install a partition between the performance area and guests
14. Shouting, wandering, and gathering is prohibited on the premises
15. Performers and musicians must wear face shields
16. Provide personal cutlery for each guest
17. Undertake cleaning of the premises every 30 – 60 minutes
18. Tables, chairs, doorknobs, counters, and other frequently used and touched surfaces must be sanitized daily
19. Competitions and group activities are prohibited
20. Bar games, including darts and pool, are prohibited
21. Maintain social distancing in smoking areas
22. Product presenters/promotion staff may not sit with guests
The initial reaction from business owners and operators of nightlife venues is one of frustration about the significant number of rules. Many operators believe limiting groups to only five people could stop people from going to bars and pubs.
President of the Khao San Business Association and CEO of Buddy Group, Sanga Ruangwattanakul, said that the rules for entertainment venues are must stricter than those of restaurants and film crews. Referencing the proposed regulations, he said:
“We want them to be more flexible; otherwise, people will not go out.”
However, he admitted that venues would have no option but to comply with the rules. He said he was hopeful that the CCSA would consider relaxing the restrictions shortly after venues reopen if there are no further local transmissions of covid-19.
Source: Bangkok Post
