The Ministry of Finance has proposed a new draft decree which would tighten control over beer sales in Vietnam.

Two glasses of beer

According to a report issued by the ministry, the sales of alcoholic beverages in Vietnam has had negative social impacts, including increased domestic violence, traffic accidents and smuggling. However, it has also brought about an expanding industry, and with it, jobs and increased tax revenue. 

The ministry proposed a draft decree on the production and sales of beer so as to prevent harmful effects. The draft would ban the sales of beer in vending machines or online. Sellers would also banned from operating near schools, hospitals and state offices. Even selling beer in small stalls on the road could be considered a violation. 

The decree forbids the sales of beer for those who appear to be drunk, pregnant women and those with a known history of alcohol abuse. 

According to the Ministry of Finance, the state budget would be able to take in an extra VND3.1 trillion if the decree were to be implemented. Moreover, the ministry stated that the state should invest in awareness campaigns concerning the decree, increase the number of market managers to clamp down on low-quality and smuggled products.

They went on to say that the decree would help prevent social disorder and protect the interests of genuine beer producers.