[Nicke]

Respite for Pattaya, Phuket?

Nightspots in Pattaya and Phuket can make official requests for nightlife zoning, but there will be no exceptions made for other entertainment venues wishing to stay open beyond midnight, Deputy Interior Minister Pracha Maleenont said yesterday.

From March 1, all nightspots outside specified nightlife zones must close at midnight while the new closing times will be 2am for discos and hostess bars inside the zones and 1am for restaurants featuring musical performances.

Mr Pracha said the government would strictly enforce the zoning policy as of March 1.

Deputy Prime Minister Purachai Piumsombun had made a careful decision on the issue, so no groups could be given exemptions, Mr Pracha said.

Mr Purachai said businesses would be affected by the change, but they would have to respect the law and make adjustments.

However, nightspots in Pattaya and Phuket, which are tourist cities, can ask the social order panel, chaired by Mr Purachai, to consider declaring their areas nightlife zones.