Phnom Penh Entertainment ban extended, but alcohol ban remains ambiguous

The Phnom Penh entertainment ban has been extended, but rules relating to the alcohol prohibition remain ambiguous, with numerous mini-marts and supermarkets now selling alcohol.

According the announcement businesses that pose a high risk of spreading Covid-19 will continue to be banned from operating for another 14 days, from October 15 to October 28, according to a post on Phnom Penh City Hall’s Facebook page Thursday evening, 

Phnom Penh Entrainment Ban Extended – what are the limitations? 

The capacity for businesses allowed to open is limited to 50 people but special authorizations can be made on a case-by-case basis to allow larger gatherings for essential services such as funerals.

While entertainment centres and cinemas are explicitly named as venues that must remain closed, it’s ambiguous concerning smaller bars and markets.

Has the alcohol ban ended?

Alcohol is not mentioned in the document. The last renewal of the ban on business posted by city hall on October 5 maintained that the alcohol ban was still in effect but an end date was not given.

As of today though places such as Kiwi Mart and AEON have seemingly removed their prohibition on the selling of alcohol, with one Kiwi Mart employee telling Khmer Nights  “We are now allowed to sell alcohol as of today”. Whether this changes the bigger picture, or not is yet to be seen.

When will Cambodia fully reopen?

As previously reported by Khmer Nights the government have said if infection and death rates continue to stay low then the country could fully reopen the economy. This could potentially happen on October 28th, the day when the current entertainment ban expires. 

Interestingly this could see Cambodia pipping neighbours Thailand on reopening the country to tourism. Thailand recently announced that it would reopen its borders to vaccinated travellers from 10 countries on November 1st.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia
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Adam Reeves
Author: Adam Reeves

An avid traveler and telecommunications expert, Adam has explored over 25 countries, immersing himself in their cultures to discover the best they offer. His passion for connecting people extends from his professional life to his adventures abroad.