As part of a new decree, actors on TV or in film will only be able to drink alcohol in scenes which depict historical figures or condemn this behaviour.
As part of a new decree, actors on TV or in film will only be able to drink alcohol in scenes which depict historical figures or condemn this behaviour.
The Government’s Decree 24 details a number of articles of the Law on Prevention and Control of Alcoholic Harm, which restricts images of the consumption of alcohol in cinematic, theatrical and TV shows for viewers below 18.
 |
| A drinking scene in the film Loi Nguyen Gia Toc (Clan Curse). (Photo: phunuonline.com.vn) |
Scenes in which an actor is drinking must not violate prohibitions such as forcing others to drink, depicting drinkers under 18 years old or employing labourers under 18 to participate in producing, trading and driving after drinking.
In addition, the films must not show images of actors drinking alcohol at health or educational centres; rehabilitation centres, centres for social protection, working places of state agencies, parks, bus stops, cinemas or theatres.
The decree also clarifies a number of other prohibitions, such as praising organisations and individuals for obtaining success from alcohol production and trading. The scenes of actors drinking alcohol for artistic purposes are only allowed in depicting historical figures, a certain historical period or criticising and condemning drinking alcohol.
According to Decree 24, the advertisement of drinks with less than 5.5 percent alcohol by volume screened from 6pm to 9pm daily only applies to products of sponsors of regional, continental or world sporting events held in Vietnam.
The advertisement of drinks with below 15 percent alcohol by volume must contain warnings; for example, drinking alcohol might cause traffic accidents, affect foetal health and people under 18 must not drink alcohol.
To advertise on radio or television, these warnings must be clearly read at the same speed as other content. Those on online newspapers or social networks must have visible colours, accounting for at least ten percent of the advertising area.
The government requires businesses to have measures to prevent people under 18 from accessing alcohol on social networks and online newspapers. Enterprises selling alcohol online must run software to check the age of buyers, ensuring they are over 18.
In June 2019, the National Assembly passed the Law on Prevention and Control of Alcoholic Harm.
(Source:VNA)
