Vinh City's pubs are deserted when the Law on Prevention of Harmful Effects of Alcohol and Beer comes into effect.

According to the reporter's records, on the evening of January 5, many shops in Vinh City became unusually deserted. Streets with many beer bars such as Phan Dang Luu, Lenin, Le Mao extended, Nguyen Sy Sach... are usually crowded but now have very few visitors even on the weekend.

Phan Dang Luu Beer Street (Vinh City) is deserted and empty on the evening of January 5. Photo: Quang An

Phan Dang Luu Street has long been the beer street of Vinh City with many beer bars stretching out, bustling and noisy from evening to late night. However, according to the reporter's records on the evening of January 5, the beer bars are still open but the number of customers has decreased sharply. Many shops only have tables and chairs, with few customers drinking.

Ms. H, a restaurant owner on this street, said: Since Decree 100 took effect, the number of customers coming to the restaurant has gradually decreased, especially in the last 2 weekends, revenue has decreased sharply, only half compared to before. While this time of year is usually the busiest time of the year because of many parties, year-end parties, and meetings...”.

Some shops have had to close due to lack of customers. Photo: Quang An

This is also the common situation of hundreds of drinking places in Vinh City. Most of the restaurants have seen a decrease in customers, empty tables and chairs, and some have even had to close due to lack of customers. Some other restaurants still have customers but only serve mineral water and soft drinks on the tables.

The roadway and sidewalk on Phan Dang Luu Street are clear, with no more chaotic stopping and parking on the evening of January 5. Photo: Quang An

Mr. Nguyen Van Dat, a resident of Ha Huy Tap ward, shared: “The weather is getting cold, and with Decree 100 coming into effect, people are afraid to go out drinking. Not to mention, now when going out drinking, we have to call a taxi or motorbike taxi, we don’t dare to take our own car, and it costs us more money. Therefore, now, when someone invites us out drinking, we feel embarrassed, so we stay home.”

The beer stall on Nguyen Sy Sach Street was also deserted at noon on January 6. Photo: Quang An

To avoid the decline in customers, many shops have had to find ways to adapt to the new regulations, in which, the service of taking customers home to drink alcohol and beer is chosen by many shop owners in Vinh City. At the same time, some shops have limited the import of beer, alcohol and food, instead increasing the number of other drinks to avoid the situation of sluggish sales and losses.