Enforcing the proposed ban on alcohol sales after 10pm may be unrealistic because of a lack of manpower, said Do Manh Hung, vice chairman of the National Assembly's Social Affairs Committee.
Do Manh Hung, vice chairman of the National Assembly's Social Affairs Committee
Hung gave an interview with a reporter at DTiNews in which he expressed some of his concerns.
Public opinion is divided over the draft regulation recently proposed by the Ministry of Health, which would ban alcohol sales after 10pm. What are your comments about the issue?
The draft regulation is part of the draft Law on Beer and Alcohol Harm Prevention. I think this is a necessary regulation as it is expected to improve public security and prevent some alcohol-related health problems.
Many claim that the regulation is unworkable because of the difficulties involved in monitoring stores after 10pm. Others are worried that people may simply buy more alcohol before 10pm. Do you have an opinion about this?
I think it’s import to pay proper attention to the feasibility of the regulation in the context of our current lack of personnel to monitor such sales. I also think that people will rush to the store to buy alcohol before ten. These things make that part of the regulation impractical.
After listening to some of the concerns of citizens, the Ministry of Health has outlined three options: Alcohol sales could be banned between 10pm and 6am in certain locations; we could empower provincial and municipal governments to work out their own ways to reduce the harmful effects of alcohol abuse; or we could tighten control over supply. In your view, which option would be the most feasible?
I think it would be more feasible to ban alcohol sales at certain locations. This way sales could be monitored. Amendments could be made to the regulation after a period of time.
Could this regulation fall into the category of other ineffective laws, such as the ban on smoking in public places, or the requirement that meat be sold within eight hours of slaughter?
If this regulation goes through, there must be sanctions for those who do not comply to act as a deterrent.
It’s also important to make it clear who is responsible for monitoring stores and punishing violators.
Thank you very much!