Law makers from Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam gathered at
a workshop in Hanoi on April 6 to discuss policies and laws to
battle alcohol abuse.
The two day event is being
jointly organised by the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA)’s Committee
for Social Affairs, the International Organisation of Good Templars and
the World Health Organisation.
Head of the NA’s
Committee for Social Affairs Truong Thi Mai said cities and provinces
nationwide have issued regulations to restrict the use of alcohol, but
have had limited effect. In reality, non-communicable diseases,
traffic accidents and domestic violence are on the rise due partly to
alcohol abuse.
Many Vietnamese legislators said the
NA should pay due attention to this issue. In fact, a law on preventing
and combating the misuse of spirits and beer is expected to be
submitted to the NA for discussion within the next 1-2 years.
Participants said the consumption of alcohol, a long-standing custom
in Southeast Asia, is being abused, especially among younger people,
harming their lives, social order and safety.
During the event, delegates will discuss the Trans-Pacific Partnership
in relation with policies and global trends to control alcohol use. They
also shared their policymaking experiences in this field.-VNA