Mrs Baykham Khattiya presents the draft amendment to the Law on Alcoholic Beverage Control at the ongoing National Assembly session on Wednesday.  --Photo Sangkhomxay

Govt proposes tougher controls on alcohol sales, advertising, drink-driving

The government plans to crack down on drink-driving with a zero-alcohol limit and prison terms of up to 12 years for offences causing multiple deaths, while tightening restrictions on alcohol sales and advertising under a proposed amendment to the alcohol control law.
Minister of Health Mrs Baykham Khattiya presented a draft amendment to the law at the ongoing National Assembly session on Wednesday, highlighting the need for stronger law enforcement to protect public health and support the country’s economic development.
The draft contains 99 articles organised into nine chapters and 12 parts. Of these, 32 articles are new, 64 have been amended, and three remain unchanged, while one part has been removed.
The proposed law aims to reduce alcohol consumption and its harmful effects on public health, family welfare and social order, while strengthening oversight of alcohol production, processing, imports, distribution and sales.
Under the draft, retail sales of alcoholic beverages would be permitted only between 4pm and 11pm. Sales to people under 18, intoxicated individuals, uniformed personnel and vehicle drivers would also be prohibited.
Violators could face re-education without imprisonment and fines of 5 million to 20 million kip. Repeat offenders could face three months to one year in prison and fines of 20 million to 60 million kip.
The draft introduces a zero-alcohol requirement for drivers and operators of heavy machinery, requiring them to have no alcohol in their breath, blood or urine.
Those caught driving with alcohol in their bodies could face re-education without imprisonment and fines of 10 million to 40 million kip. If drink-driving causes injuries, offenders could face three months to one year in prison and fines of 40 million to 60 million kip. More serious cases involving serious injuries, multiple victims, loss of a limb or disability could carry prison terms of one to three years and fines of 60 million to 80 million kip.
If a drink-driving incident causes a single death, the proposed penalty is three to seven years in prison and a fine of 80 million to 100 million kip. Incidents resulting in two or more deaths could carry seven to 12 years in prison and fines of 100 million to 300 million kip.
Businesses involved in producing, distributing, importing or serving alcoholic beverages would be required to register and obtain the relevant licences. Authorities could suspend operations or revoke licences for violations, particularly those causing serious harm to health, life, the environment or society.
Advertising would also face tighter controls. All forms of alcoholic beverage advertising would require authorisation from the health sector and other relevant authorities, carry health warnings and educate the public about alcohol-related harm. Content promoting sales, depicting people drinking or displaying alcoholic beverage trademarks would be prohibited.
Advertising on radio, television and electronic billboards would be permitted only between 10pm and 2am. Sponsorship arrangements could not be used to promote alcohol distribution and consumption.
Alcoholic beverages produced, processed, imported or distributed in Laos would have to carry labels and health warnings in Lao, including product registration numbers, ingredients, alcohol concentration, production and expiry dates, and details of producers, distributors or importers.
Counterfeit, illicit, expired or non-compliant products could be recalled and destroyed at the responsible business’s expense.
Beyond enforcement, the draft emphasises public education, counselling, rehabilitation and treatment for people affected by alcohol dependence. Hospitals and health centres would be required to integrate counselling and assistance into their services.
An Alcoholic Beverage Control Fund would finance alcohol-control programmes, improve health services and support affected people. Proposed funding sources include the state budget, 2 percent of profit-tax revenue, allocated excise-tax revenue from alcoholic beverages, contributions and other lawful sources.
The draft also designates December 19 each year as National Alcohol Consumption and Sales-Free Day to promote public health and strengthen alcohol control.
If adopted, the amendment would replace the existing Law on Alcoholic Beverage Control No. 54/NA, dated December 19, 2014.
The draft will be debated by the National Assembly before a final decision is made. If approved, it would take effect after the President issues a promulgation decree and it is published in the Official Gazette.

By Bounfaeng Phaymanivong
 (Latest Update October 15, 2026)