The National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam approved the Law for the prevention and control of alcohol-related harm as it concluded a 20-day session on 14 June, Hanoi. The new law ensures stronger restrictions on alcohol marketing and sets limitations on the physical availability of retailed alcohol products, among others.
“We congratulate Viet Nam for having achieved another historic milestone in public health development. With the approval of this new law, we hope no more Vietnamese will have to suffer or lose a loved one from any alcohol-related disease, drink-driving or other alcohol-attributable harm, said Dr Kidong Park, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Viet Nam. “It was a long and challenging journey that started as early as 2012. We greatly appreciate the commitment of all the people behind this law – the Ministry of Health, the Social Affairs Committee, other government agencies, provincial authorities, development partners and civil society organizations – for their leadership and support in developing and advocating for this important policy,” he continued.
The Law for the prevention and control of alcohol-related harm was developed with technical support from WHO, taking into consideration the Organization’s recommended best-buys for preventing alcohol-related harms: (1) enacted and enforced bans or comprehensive restrictions on exposure to alcohol advertising (across multiple types of media); (2) enacted and enforced restrictions on the availability of retailed alcohol (via reduced locations of sales); (3) increased excise tax on alcoholic beverages; and (4) enacted and enforced no drink-driving policy.
In terms of advertising restriction, upon implementation of the new law starting 1 January 2020, advertising of alcohol products will be banned from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., every day. Advertisements will also have to carry warnings on alcohol-related harms. In addition, there will be a ban on marketing strategies that involve corporate giveaways, images, logos, music, film talents, and other product brands targeting children and youth.
In terms of limiting alcohol availability, establishing new on-site alcohol consumption businesses (i.e., bia hoi bars/restaurants) within 100 meters from health care facilities and schools will be prohibited as well with the new law in place. In the same way, selling alcohol to people under 18 years old will be banned.
In terms of fiscal measures, the National Assembly decided that the proposal to raise alcohol price would be discussed within the premise of a separate law on taxation.
In terms of no drink-driving policy, drink-driving will be completely prohibited for both car and motorcycle riders. This is a far cry from the law currently being implemented, which, although already bans car drivers from consuming any amount of alcohol, still allows motorcyclists to consume up to 50 mg/dL of alcohol (equivalent to two glasses of bia hoi).
The law also guarantees funding for activities on and highlights the importance of multisectoral approach to the prevention and control of alcohol-related harm. It establishes the roles and responsibilities of relevant agencies in its implementation.
The Law for the prevention and control of alcohol-related harm will take effect on 1 January 2020.