Vietnam’s health minister proposes liquor ban for karaoke bars

Tien made the suggestion at a meeting to discuss the draft law on combating the effects of alcohol in Ho Chi Minh City on April 28.

The bill also seeks to prohibit selling beer and alcoholic beverages to minors, pregnant women or already drunken customers, as well as banning public officials and workers from drinking while at work, during break time or between two working shifts.

“The bill" will help to reduce the number of alcoholic beverage users, especially among the youth, public officials, and employees while they are at work,” minister Tien said.

“It also helps to restrict people’s access to alcoholic beverages.”

The minister said that although the bill will affect the business of beer and liquor manufacturers, sellers and importers, it will create a legal ground for a more proper and better control of this business sector.

“The current law on alcoholic beverages merely focuses on regulating the manufacturing and selling this type of commodity, without setting any regulations to prevent and deal with various harmful effects of alcoholic drinks and beer,” the minister said.

“The new bill will help change the consumption habit of alcoholic beverages of many people.”

Also at the meeting, the health minister suggested tightening supervision on homemade alcohol, from its manufacturing to distribution and consumption.

Minister Tien also proposed setting up a community’s health improvement fund, using fees charged on beer and liquor makers, importers and drinkers.

The bill is scheduled to be submitted to the lawmaking National Assembly at the end of 2018.

According to the World Health Organization, the economic expenses caused by alcoholic beverages range from 1.3% to 12% of the GDP, depending on countries.

In Vietnam, the ratio was 1.3% of GDP, or a total expense of around VND60,000 billion (US$2,640 million), outweighing the VND19,000 billion (US$836 million) revenue the alcoholic beverages industry contributes to the country.