Law makers from Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam gathered ata workshop in Hanoi on April 6 to discuss policies and laws tobattle alcohol abuse.
The two day event is beingjointly organised by the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA)’s Committeefor Social Affairs, the International Organisation of Good Templars andthe World Health Organisation.
Head of the NA’sCommittee for Social Affairs Truong Thi Mai said cities and provincesnationwide have issued regulations to restrict the use of alcohol, buthave had limited effect. In reality, non-communicable diseases,traffic accidents and domestic violence are on the rise due partly toalcohol abuse.
Many Vietnamese legislators said theNA should pay due attention to this issue. In fact, a law on preventingand combating the misuse of spirits and beer is expected to besubmitted to the NA for discussion within the next 1-2 years.
Participants said the consumption of alcohol, a long-standing customin 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 Partnershipin relation with policies and global trends to control alcohol use. Theyalso shared their policymaking experiences in this field.-VNA