Can Restaurants in Laos Serve Alcohol Under the New Covid-19 Regulations?

Since the beginning of the pandemic, serving alcohol in restaurants has been a component of Covid-19 limitations in Laos; however, the most recent restrictions have left restaurateurs in the dark.

While Laos' regions and capital have gone into and out of lockdown on a regular basis, limits on the serving of alcohol in restaurants have remained a key component of the country's Covid-19 policies at the national level.

However, the newest Covid-19 limitations issued by the Prime Minister's Office, which take effect on November 15, make no mention of any prohibitions on restaurants serving alcohol.

Restaurants were not mentioned at all in the statement, which was dominated by the reopening of schools and the restoration of domestic travel.

While the new rules do not clearly indicate that offering alcoholic beverages is forbidden, the Lao Hotel & Restaurant Association advised the Laotian Times that it is recommended for businesses to refrain from selling alcoholic beverages until formal approval is provided.

Laotian Times called the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control's 166 hotline to receive a firm response to this subject.

The response responded that serving alcohol in restaurants is still illegal, and that residents should refer to the Covid-19 regulations issued on October 30, which, despite being replaced by the November limitations, cover the matter in more depth.

The Taskforce respondent's final proposal was to drink at home.

Credit Source: The Laotian Times

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