The new content aims to effectively enforce the regulation prohibiting the sale and supply of alcohol to people under 18 years old in the Law on Prevention and Control of Harmful Effects of Alcohol and Beer 2019, effective from January 1.

Decree 98/2020/ND-CP allows for a fine of 3 to 5 million VND for the act of selling alcohol and beer through vending machines; trading alcohol and beer products at locations where alcohol and beer trading is prohibited according to regulations. In addition to the fine, violators will also have their evidence and means of violation confiscated and be forced to return the profits gained from the violation.

Anyone who employs people under 18 years of age to directly participate in the production and sale of alcohol and beer will also be fined from 3 to 5 million VND.

According to Article 29,penaltyFrom 500,000 to one million VND applies to traders of alcohol with an alcohol content of less than 5.5 degrees who provide inaccurate or false information about the effects of alcohol and beer on health.

Traders of alcohol with an alcohol content of 5.5 degrees or higher who provide inaccurate or false information about the effects of alcohol and beer on health will be fined from 10 to 20 million VND.

Pursuant to Point b, Clause 4, Article 4, the above penalty applies to violations committed by individuals. If an organization violates, the penalty will be doubled.