In an effort to reduce traffic accidents, the governor of Phnom Penh has mooted plans to impose new hours on clubs and beer gardens.

Speaking at a ceremony for the opening of a primary school on Monday, Municipal Governor Pa Socheatvong said he was considering ordering “all clubs and beer gardens to close at 12am”.

“We know that most of the traffic accidents happen after midnight [and are caused] by drunken people,” he added.

City Hall spokesman Long Dimanche yesterday said the plan was a “good idea”, arguing that putting police on the street to monitor traffic late at night would not solve the problem.

But he said he had no idea when it might be implemented.

The proposed ban was met with mixed reactions.

San Sous, manager of a beer garden on Chroy Changvar, said it would be “difficult to ban our guests”.

And, if the plan proceeds, he said his business would suffer.

Others, however, welcomed the move.

Fifty-year-old Phnom Penh resident Sin Sitha said the curfew would make her less concerned about traffic accidents.

“I think if they stay open until 12, it is enough anyway,” she said.