In Vietnam, pressuring colleagues or acquaintances to drink alcohol is now subject to legal penalties.
The Vietnamese government has revised its administrative penalty regulations for public health violations, imposing fines of up to 3 million dong (approximately 170,000 won, or $120) for coercing or inducing others to drink alcohol, VN Express reported Sunday. Employees caught drinking during working hours face the same penalties.
The measure reflects the government's determination to correct a coercive drinking culture that has long persisted as common practice. Authorities concluded that collective drinking customs — such as "bomb shots" and passing glasses around the table — harm public health and reduce workplace productivity. The government aims to establish a voluntary and moderate drinking culture through financial penalties.
Regulations on alcohol sales and distribution have also been tightened. Selling alcohol to minors or failing to display prohibition notices carries fines at the same level. Selling alcohol within 100 meters of schools and hospitals is subject to fines of up to 10 million dong (approximately 570,000 won, or $710). Online sellers who fail to implement age-verification measures to block minors face penalties of up to 20 million dong (approximately 1.14 million won, or $1,420).
Marketing restrictions are the most stringent. Companies that offer alcohol with 15% ABV or higher as promotional prizes, use underage models, or target pregnant women in marketing face fines of up to 30 million dong (approximately 1.7 million won, or $2,130).
"E-Cigarettes Also Completely Banned" — Government Takes Hard Line as Youth Usage Spreads
The Vietnamese government has also taken a hardline stance on e-cigarette regulation. Under a related enforcement decree, users of liquid-type and heat-not-burn e-cigarettes face fines of up to 5 million dong (approximately 270,000 won, or $350). Seized products are immediately confiscated and destroyed. Businesses that allow e-cigarette smoking on their premises also face additional fines.
The measures come in response to a surge in e-cigarette use, particularly among young people. Smoking rates among those aged 15 and older have risen sharply in recent years, with usage also increasing rapidly among teenagers and women. Vietnam has consequently built a comprehensive regulatory framework banning the production, distribution, import, and use of e-cigarettes.
Experts say the policy is an unavoidable choice from a public health perspective but note that ensuring effective enforcement is the key challenge. Local reactions have been mixed, with some saying, "The regulations are welcome, but it remains to be seen whether actual enforcement will follow."