Cheers or concerns? Diverse opinions on Vietnam’s fading after-work drinking scene

In one story, Australian Ray Kuschert observed that after-work drinking in Vietnam is fading, citing several factors such as stricter drink-driving laws, a more globalized working environment, and growing awareness of health risks, among others.

Comments continued to pour in, offering widely varied opinions that reflect cultural habits, road safety concerns, and economic realities.

Some expats drew comparisons with practices in other countries.

“In the U.S., there is still an after work social gathering in white collar jobs where business dinners are normal, but most companies no longer allow the corporate business credit cards to be used in purchasing items outside of the dinner so no booze. That’s paid for at the person’s own expense,” Brandon Klein noted.

“I am not at all certain what views 16-32 year olds in Vietnam currently hold regarding alcohol, but I do know that here, in the United States, alcohol is rapidly falling out of favour with that same age group,” Kaptin Sinnindebauchery commented.

Meanwhile, Andrew Dunn highlighted the role of strict drinking-and-driving laws: “Zero-percent tolerance for alcohol while driving is the reason behind it all. Everyone drives to and from work, so having a few beers after work or after sport is very risky now.”

Serhiy Storozhenko added a perspective focused on affordability: “Just work becomes harder and drinks become less affordable.”

“We love drinking but we are facing economic difficulties now,” Ho Phuong Nam also shed a light on economic realities.

Concerns over forced drinking and workplace culture were also raised.

“Forced drinking needs to go away, work or party,” Luu Phuong insisted while Kris Wilkins added, "You only work for your company for the hours they pay you. When they aren’t paying you for those hours, that's your time.”

However, Frank Nadler called the trend “sad news,” saying, "The social meeting of friends is a very important society and community factor. It also furthers the patriotic spirit. What happens when these social meetings stop existing? We have experienced this in quite a few countries in Europe. There is no more community spirit…”

Drinking vs. safety on the road

Safety on the roads was a common theme.

“[The after-work drinking culture is] dying because the Vietnamese government has strengthened laws with higher penalties for drunk people driving home,” Henry Nguyen commented. “Win for the country and its people, too many deaths on the road.”

Victor Luong also strongly supported strict limits: “I don’t want drunk people on the road. Public safety is more important. Zero alcohol limits make sense when people try to weasel out and make excuses. People keep saying ‘oh little amount won’t hurt’ until they hit someone. If you drink, don’t drive. Period.”

“Most developed countries have zero tolerance [for alcohol while driving] and it works great. And you know, it's never just one beer. People here drive like crap even when sober, many cannot handle alcohol at all, why give more legal ways to drive even worse?” Oliver Sepp commented.

Ian Robinson echoed skepticism about moderate drinking: “‘Moderate drinks’? In Vietnam? You have to be joking right?!"