Vietnam to impose fine of up to $114 on those drinking at work, selling alcohol to minors

Under Decree 90, which takes effect on May 15, people caught drinking in prohibited places or encouraging others to drink can face fines ranging from VND500,000 ($19) to VND1 million ($38).

Harsher penalties apply to violations during working or school hours, or for forcing others to drink, with fines of between VND1 million and VND3 million.

Retailers who sell alcohol to minors or fail to display notices banning such sales face fines of up to VND3 million.

Outlets operating in prohibited locations or within 100 meters of schools or health facilities can be fined between VND5 million ($190) and VND10 million ($380).

Selling alcohol via e-commerce platforms without age verification measures will incur fines of up to VND20 million ($760) and possible suspension of business licenses for up to three months.

The decree also ramps up penalties for illegal alcohol promotion and advertising, with fines of up to VND30 million ($1,139), particularly for campaigns that target minors, students, or pregnant women.

Violations in advertising at cultural or sporting events or on outdoor platforms carry fines of up to VND40 million ($1,519), with offending content subject to removal.

Managers who fail to enforce measures to prevent alcohol misuse in workplaces face fines of between VND3 million and VND10 million, while alcohol businesses employing underage workers or providing misleading product information will be fined up to VND15 million ($570).

The decree also bans sponsorship in the form of alcohol products and assigns enforcement authority to agencies including market surveillance and police.