The Lao People's Democratic Republic has officially declared December 19 of every year as Alcoholic Beverages Prohibition Day. This move, announced on December 18, 2025, aims to strengthen the enforcement of the 2014 Law on Alcoholic Control, protect public health, and mitigate the social and economic harms associated with excessive alcohol consumption across the nation.
The Lao government has officially declared December 19 of every year as Alcoholic Beverages Prohibition Day, aiming to bolster public health and reduce alcohol-related harm. This nationwide ban on alcohol consumption reinforces the 2014 Law on Alcoholic Control, with enhanced enforcement measures set to begin in 2025.
Several European Union member states, with strong backing from Estonia, are pushing for significant amendments to EU legislation to impose stricter limits on cross-border imports of tobacco and alcohol. The initiative, primarily aimed at curbing illicit trade and safeguarding national public health policies, seeks to revise existing rules governing personal use imports within the single market.
Estonia, alongside several other EU member states, is advocating for amendments to existing legislation to introduce stricter limits on cross-border tobacco and alcohol imports. The initiative, primarily driven by Denmark, aims to combat illicit trade, recover lost tax revenues, and bolster public health policies across the European Union.
Several EU member states, with strong backing from Estonia, are advocating for stricter limits on cross-border personal imports of tobacco and alcohol. This initiative aims to curb illicit trade, which results in significant tax revenue losses for governments and undermines public health efforts. The proposals involve amending Article 32 of the Excise Duty Directive.
Several EU member states, led by Denmark and supported by Estonia, are advocating for stricter limits on cross-border tobacco and alcohol imports. The move aims to combat illicit trade, address public health concerns, and prevent revenue loss by amending Article 32 of the Excise Duty Directive.
Saudi Arabia has quietly expanded access to alcohol beyond diplomats, now permitting non-Muslim premium residency holders and high-earning expatriates to purchase alcoholic beverages at a licensed store in Riyadh. This move is part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, aiming to boost tourism and diversify its economy.
Norway's highest court has officially banned the Dutch motorcycle club Satudarah, declaring it a criminal association. The Supreme Court's decision, made on October 9, 2024, aims to prevent serious crime, citing the club's history of violence, extortion, and drug trafficking. This move follows similar bans in Germany and the Netherlands.
São Paulo City Hall has introduced 'Modera SP,' a new digital tool integrated into the e-saúdeSP app, designed to help residents assess their alcohol consumption patterns and reduce risky drinking. The platform utilizes the WHO's AUDIT questionnaire and provides personalized guidance and referrals to health services.
The Manila City government has enacted Ordinance No. 9134, known as the 'Anti-Balaclava Ordinance,' prohibiting face-concealing headgear in public and commercial areas. Aimed at deterring crime and aiding law enforcement, the ban includes items like helmets, balaclavas, and hoodies, with specific exemptions for health, religious, and operational reasons. Violators face fines and potential imprisonment.
The Hungarian Parliament has passed a law prohibiting the production, marketing, and sale of cultivated meat, with exceptions solely for medical and veterinary applications. The legislation, approved on November 18, 2025, aims to safeguard traditional agricultural practices, human health, and the environment, drawing criticism from the European Union.
Hungary's parliament has voted to ban the production, distribution, and marketing of cultivated meat, citing concerns over traditional rural lifestyles, human health, and environmental impact. The ban includes exceptions only for medical and veterinary uses.
Cambodia has issued a new directive, spearheaded by Prime Minister Hun Manet, to strictly enforce its existing ban on e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and shisha. The comprehensive prohibition covers import, sale, advertising, and use, aiming to protect public health, particularly among youth, and prevent addiction. The move reinforces measures first introduced in 2014.
Saudi Arabia's Tourism Minister, Ahmed al-Khateeb, confirmed on Sunday that the Kingdom has not taken any steps to lift its long-standing ban on alcohol sales. The statement came during the 2025 Fortune Global Forum in Riyadh, emphasizing that visitors are drawn to Saudi Arabia's cultural and historical offerings, not alcohol.
New documents reveal a concerted lobbying effort by major alcohol companies successfully pressured the Irish government to postpone the implementation of mandatory cancer warning labels on alcoholic beverages until September 2028, a decade after the Public Health (Alcohol) Act was passed.
Brazilian health authorities have declared a methanol poisoning emergency, with over 200 suspected cases and at least three confirmed fatalities linked to adulterated alcoholic beverages. The crisis has prompted widespread warnings, including advisories for the upcoming UFC Rio event, and a national effort to secure antidotes.
Brazilian authorities are investigating a methanol poisoning outbreak, primarily in São Paulo, with 11 confirmed cases, 116 suspected, and one confirmed death. Health Minister Alexandre Padilha issued warnings against consuming distilled beverages of unknown origin, as police probe the source of the contaminated alcohol.
Golfer Tyrrell Hatton's Ryder Cup qualification celebration with Jon Rahm turned into a messy ordeal, leaving him waking up covered in vomit after a night of heavy drinking. Despite the unpleasant experience, Hatton found humor in the situation and attempted to rectify the hotel room before departing.
Over 600 pub landlords have appealed to the Chancellor for lower business rates in this autumn's Budget, which could save each pub an average of £10,000 annually. The letter highlights the financial pressures facing the hospitality industry, exacerbated by rising costs and recent job losses in the sector.
A Texas teenager suffered severe burns after a TikTok experiment involving fire and rubbing alcohol went awry, resulting in second and third-degree burns across a significant portion of his body. His family is now facing a long recovery process and financial strain, prompting his mother to warn other parents about the dangers of replicating online stunts.
