Bangkok. Thailand on Wednesday lifted a 53-year-old ban on the afternoon retail sale of alcoholic beverages, a move expected to boost year-end tourism and business at bars, convenience stores, and other venues.

The ban on alcohol sales from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. will be lifted on a 180-day trial basis, after which authorities will evaluate its effects.

The afternoon restriction on beer, spirits, and wine was originally enacted in 1972 during military rule, though the reasons for it are now largely unclear. Thailand is predominantly Buddhist, a religion that discourages alcohol consumption, although drinking remains widespread.

Under the amended Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, now official following its publication in the Royal Gazette on Tuesday, consumers may purchase alcoholic drinks from 11 a.m. until midnight. While retail sales end at midnight, customers at nightlife venues may continue drinking until 1 a.m.

During deliberations over the policy change, concerns were raised that extending drinking hours could worsen the problem of drunk driving.

Afternoon alcohol sales have long existed in a legal gray area, with exemptions for airports, certain entertainment venues, and hotels. Enforcement has historically varied by neighborhood, and under-the-counter sales at small shops and eateries were common.

During the coronavirus pandemic, many areas imposed temporary bans on alcohol sales in an effort to curb the virus’s spread.