The fact that Lao laws are relatively lax coupled with convincing alcohol advertisements and inadequate awareness-raising has led to binge drinking becoming a major problem in Laos, according to a leading parliamentarian.
Chairman of the National Assembly (NA)'s Cultural and Social Affairs Committee, Prof. Dr Phonethep Pholsena made the observation yesterday following the release of recent survey results by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which suggested that Laos ranks top out of the 10 Asean countries for the consumption of alcoholic beverages and beer.
He pressed the need to raise awareness about the health risks posed by excessive alcohol consumption by members of the public.
The relevant sectors need to take action and put stricter measures in place to contain alcohol advertisements so that they are “more responsible and less persuasive,” he said, noting that Lao regulations to contain alcohol advertisements are relatively lax.
“Advertisements should carry messages that explain the health risks and dangers of drinking as well as the legal drinking age,” he said, adding that social responsibility should be enshrined in the law.
Though revenue collected from alcohol taxes is considerably high and the producers have made significant contributions to society, Prof. Dr Phonthep noted, no comparisons have been made to measure the losses caused by deaths, injuries, illnesses and accidents.
In addition, although Laos has regulations in place that prohibit children under 18 from entering nightclubs, many continue to do so, indicating that action to enforce the regulations is lacking.
The WHO survey also found that Lao women drink more alcohol than women in other Indochina countries. According to the survey, average consumption in Laos reached the equivalent of 7 litres of pure alcohol per annum. In fact, the numbers could be higher.
A survey carried out in Luang Prabang and Champassak provinces and central Vientiane by the Institute of Public Health showed that the average Lao person consumes 15 litres of alcohol per year despite being aware of the risks drinking poses to health and finances.
The survey of 1,257 households released recently found that it is really not very difficult for people to buy alcohol - very easy in fact. It found that the average distance between a person's house and a shop at which they can purchase alcohol is just 77m.
Unsurprisingly, the heaviest drinkers were in the 25 to 44 age bracket and men drank more on average than women. Some 84 percent of people surveyed were persuaded by their friends to drink, while 67 percent said drinking alcohol made them happy. According to the survey, better-educated people drink more than those without an education and government workers drink more than any other sector.
Those who earn more than 5 million kip per month tend to consume more alcohol and Vientiane residents drank more on average than provincial residents.
Unsurprisingly, the heaviest drinkers were in the 25 to 44 age bracket and men drank more on average than women. Some 84 percent of people surveyed were persuaded by their friends to drink, while 67 percent said drinking alcohol made them happy. According to the survey, better-educated people drink more than those without an education and government workers drink more than any other sector.
Those who earn more than 5 million kip per month tend to consume more alcohol and Vientiane residents drank more on average than provincial residents.
