Advertising of 4.5% alcoholic drinks to be banned
Advertising in any form of alcohol with 4.5% and over alcohol content will be banned, including herbal alcoholic beverages, according to a draft regulation by the Health, Industry and Trade ministries.
The regulation is part of a national policy on the prevention and control over the negative impact created by the consumption of alcoholic drinks, and aims to raise people's awareness of the harmful effects that alcohol has on health, the economy and society as a whole.
In addition, people under the age of 18 years are prohibited to buy and consume alcoholic beverages that have an alcohol content higher than 4.5%.
People aged between 19 to 23 years are legally permitted to buy alcoholic drinks up to an alcoholic content of 13%, while only those aged 24 and older are permitted to buy spirits with alcoholic content above 14%.
The regulation will prohibit hotels, restaurants, food courts and adults from encouraging, suggesting or coercing people under 18 years of age to drink alcohol, beer and other drinks that contain over 4.5% alcoholic content.
The Health Ministry will collaborate with the Education and Training Ministry to implement a school curriculum which includes components of this policy of prevention and control of alcohol abuse.
Businesses are also encouraged to manufacture and trade non-alcoholic drinks which are good for health and loved by children.
The national policy is expected to be implemented in 2008.
Sai Gon Giai Phong - December 22, 2007.
|