Drinking Beer In Public: Vietnam's Laws And Culture

Drinking in public is a common occurrence in Vietnam, with beer being the drink of choice for many Vietnamese. Beer is often consumed with ice to combat the hot and muggy climate. While there are no laws against drinking in public, it is considered unusual to walk around drinking in the street. Drinking is typically done in a social setting, with beer drinking in Vietnam being a communal activity. However, drinking and driving is a prevalent issue in the country, with many people driving scooters or motorbikes while intoxicated. To combat the negative effects of alcohol, Vietnam has adopted new laws restricting the sale and consumption of alcohol in certain public areas, such as health facilities, educational institutions, and workplaces.

Drinking in public is not illegal in Vietnam

Firstly, while drinking in public is not illegal, drinking and driving definitely is. The World Health Organization reports that 60% of hospitalized road trauma patients in Vietnam are estimated to have a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit. So, if you're going out to drink with friends, take a taxi.

Secondly, drinking alone is unusual in Vietnam. Beer drinking is a communal activity, so you'll rarely see someone drinking by themselves. When you're at a table with Vietnamese people, it's considered rude to drink without the rest of the group. That said, you won't be forced to keep drinking if you don't want to.

Thirdly, in Vietnam, beer is often served with ice. This is to combat the heat and humidity, and to keep the beer cold, as it tends to get warm quickly.

Finally, drinking in certain public areas is restricted. These include health facilities, educational institutions, centres targeted towards minors, and workplaces of regulatory authorities.

So, while drinking in public is not illegal in Vietnam, it's important to be mindful of local customs and regulations to avoid causing any offence or breaking any laws.

Beer is typically served with ice

While there are no laws against drinking in public in Vietnam, it is not common to see people drinking on the go. Drinking is typically done while sitting down, either at a restaurant or on plastic chairs on the side of the road. Beer is the drink of choice for many Vietnamese, and it is usually enjoyed with a group of people.

The addition of ice also makes the beer easier to drink, especially as some Vietnamese beers are bitter. It also dilutes the beer, making it softer and reducing the amount of alcohol consumed, which means people can stay longer at parties with their friends.

The practice of drinking beer with ice is so common that servers will automatically add more ice to your drink as soon as the old ice melts. This is part of the drinking culture in Vietnam, and it is not considered a crime. However, some people may not prefer this as it can dilute the original taste of the beer.

Drinking alone is uncommon

The social expectation is that men drink alcohol, and it is considered a tonic for their bodies. Drinking is also a significant part of building business, professional, and personal relationships. It is not uncommon for people to drink at work gatherings, and refusing to drink at these events can be challenging. However, it is not considered pushy, and no one will force you to drink more than you are comfortable with.

If you are drinking with a group, you will likely be saying cheers a lot. The common cheers is "một, hai, ba, vô!" (mote hi ba yo), which translates to "one, two, three, cheers!" For a "super cheers," the pattern is "một, hai, ba, hai, ba, vô!" which involves shouting the numbers louder. When drinking one-on-one, the phrase "một trăm phần trăm" (mote cham fun cham), which means "100%," indicates that it is time to drink together. If you do not want to finish your drink, you can ask for "năm mươi phần trăm" (nam moo-uy fun cham), which means "50%." This will likely get you some laughs, and if you are close to your limit, you can refuse by saying "say rồi" (sigh roy), which means "drunk already."

Drinking is a significant part of Vietnamese culture, and it is essential to understand the customs and expectations surrounding it.

Drinking and driving is common

While there are no laws against drinking in public in Vietnam, drinking and driving is common in the country.

In a study conducted in 2011, surveying randomly selected road users over the age of 17 years at gas stations in three provinces, it was found that a significant proportion of respondents (44.9%) reported drinking and driving. Alarmingly, 56.7% admitted to drinking and driving within the last month. Drinking and driving was more common among males, with approximately 60.2% indicating a history of drinking and driving, and this proportion was particularly high among males aged 17 to 26 (71.4%).

The problem is exacerbated by the rapid motorization of the country, with a 400% increase in motor vehicles, especially motorcycles, in the last decade. While the number of deaths from road crashes has remained fairly level since 2006 according to police statistics, comparisons with health data suggest that the actual number of deaths is much higher. This discrepancy can be attributed to the lack of equipment to measure blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels among the police and health services.

Despite Vietnam having one of the most stringent alcohol legislations in the region, alcohol involvement in road traffic crashes remains high. To address this issue, a multifaceted approach is necessary, including social marketing and public education campaigns, enhanced enforcement, and programs that either limit the number of drinks or provide alternatives to drinking and driving.

Drinking and driving is not only dangerous but also illegal. It is crucial to prioritize safety and find alternative means of transportation when consuming alcohol.

Alcohol consumption is on the rise

A Cultural Shift

Alcohol consumption in Vietnam is currently at a high level and has been rising rapidly. The average Vietnamese adult drank about 467 bottles of beer per year in 2016, far higher than the global average of 6.4 litres. Since 2010, alcohol consumption in Vietnam has risen by a staggering 40%. This increase is attributed to the country's economic growth and the emergence of a larger middle class. As a result, alcohol is now more affordable and widely available, with drinking venues proliferating in recent years.

A Public Health Concern

The rise in alcohol consumption has led to significant public health concerns. Firstly, alcohol is a major contributor to the growing number of road traffic accidents in Vietnam. Drunk driving kills over 4,000 people in Vietnam annually, and it is estimated that around 40% of traffic accidents are alcohol-related.

Secondly, alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases, with liver cancer being a particular concern. In 2016, nearly 10% of Vietnamese men aged 50 to 69 died of alcohol-related liver cancer, three times higher than the global average.

Lastly, alcohol abuse and dependence are also on the rise, particularly among men. Studies have found high rates of problematic drinking among Vietnamese men, with one study reporting a 35% prevalence of problematic drinking among males surveyed.

Addressing the Issue

In response to the growing alcohol-related harms, Vietnam approved a new law on the prevention and control of alcohol-related harm, which came into effect in January 2020. The law includes stricter restrictions on alcohol marketing and limitations on the physical availability of retail alcohol products. Additionally, drink-driving is now completely prohibited for both car and motorcycle riders.

However, the implementation and enforcement of these measures may prove challenging due to the alcohol industry's strong lobby and the deep cultural roots of alcohol consumption in Vietnam.

While the new law is a step in the right direction, effectively addressing the rise in alcohol consumption in Vietnam will require a comprehensive and sustained effort from the government, public health organizations, and communities. It is crucial to raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol, promote alternative activities, and provide support and treatment for those struggling with alcohol dependence.

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