Vietnam bans drinking scenes in movies

Vietnam is set to restrict actors from consuming alcohol in movie scenes, according to a new decree under the country’s alcohol laws, VnExpress has reported.

Decree 24 took effect on Monday and states that drinking scenes will be banned except in the case of scenes depicting historical characters or scenes that criticize alcohol addiction.

Scenes that praise the success of individuals or organizations drinking alcohol or doing alcohol related business are now banned.

Time restrictions on alcohol advertising have been in effect since June 2019, which banned liquor advertisements from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and before, after and during children’s programs.

Under decree 24, only drinks under 5.5% alcohol and those that sponsors of regional, continental or global sporting events held in Vietnam will now be allowed to show advertisements between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Companies that make drinks with less than 15% alcohol with have to add warnings saying that drinking leads to traffic accidents, causes problems with fetuses, and that it is against the law for anyone under 18 to consume alcohol.

On TV and radio, the warning must be read at the same pace as the content. On websites, social media and print the warnings must cover at least 10% of the content, be in color and easy to read.

Hard liquor has been banned from advertising for a long time.

The new decree comes amidst the new drunk driving law that took effect on Jan 1., which carries heavy fines and punishments for drinking and driving bicycles, electric bikes, motorbikes and cars.