Laos Establishes Annual National Alcohol Prohibition Day on December 19

Laos Declares Annual Alcohol Prohibition Day

The government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic has officially designated December 19 of every year as Alcoholic Beverages Prohibition Day. The declaration, announced on December 18, 2025, mandates a nationwide ban on the consumption of any alcoholic beverage on this specific day. This initiative is a direct response to the government's commitment to reinforcing the existing Law on Alcoholic Control, which was first adopted in 2014.

Purpose and Scope of the Prohibition

The primary objective of the annual prohibition day is to safeguard public health and diminish the detrimental effects linked to alcohol consumption. Authorities aim to heighten awareness regarding the health and safety risks associated with alcohol, reduce incidents of drink-driving accidents, and alleviate the broader social and economic burdens caused by excessive alcohol use throughout Laos.

On this designated day, the consumption of any beverage containing alcohol will be prohibited across the entire country. This measure reflects a concerted effort to foster greater compliance with the 2014 law and promote a more responsible approach to alcohol within Lao society.

Context of Alcohol Control and Consumption in Laos

Laos has historically faced challenges related to high alcohol consumption. In 2013, the country ranked highest among ASEAN nations for alcohol consumption, with an average of 7 liters per person per year. By 2016, the total alcohol per capita consumption had risen to 10.4 liters. More recently, in February 2024, Laos was noted for having the highest 'Female Alcohol Consumption' in Southeast Asia, at 5.09 liters per year.

While alcohol consumption is deeply embedded in Lao culture, particularly during traditional ceremonies and social gatherings, the government has increasingly recognized the negative consequences of excessive drinking. The Law on Alcoholic Control of 2014 was established to regulate the production, import, sale, and advertisement of alcoholic beverages, aiming to protect citizens' health and property.

Enforcement and Broader Regulatory Efforts

The declaration of the National Alcohol Prohibition Day comes amidst ongoing efforts to tighten alcohol regulations. In September 2024, a meeting assessed the implementation of the 2014 law, noting that despite its existence for nearly a decade, it had not undergone significant revisions or comprehensive evaluations, leading to a lack of consistent oversight. National Assembly Vice President Khambay Damlath highlighted that 'Excessive alcohol consumption has had negative impacts on public health, contributing to chronic diseases, accidents, and rising crime rates.'

Furthermore, the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism previously issued a ban on alcohol advertising. In December 2018, Vientiane Capital implemented a ban on alcohol sales before 4 PM. Recent incidents, such as the deaths of six tourists in November 2024 due to suspected methanol poisoning, which led to a ban on specific brands like Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky, have underscored the critical need for stricter controls and enforcement.

Moving forward, provincial and city health offices, alongside other relevant agencies, have been instructed to intensify monitoring and enforcement efforts starting in 2025. This includes scrutinizing the locations of alcohol-selling businesses to ensure they are not situated near sensitive areas such as schools, hospitals, government offices, religious sites, or public parks. Businesses found in violation of these regulations may face official warnings or further punitive actions.