What do you think of the ban on alcohol sales during schools’ final year exams?

Some provinces have banned the sale of alcoholic beverages when schools hold final year exams   this week and next, in an attempt to prevent brawls and road accidents caused by drunkenness.
Vientiane Times asked for people’s thoughts on the ban and students’ behaviour.

Ms Keoudone Vongsavang, a resident of Xaythany district, Vientiane:
Whenever we pass entertainment venues and places that sell alcohol, we
see a lot of people there each evening, mostly schoolchildren and college and university students. In my opinion, it’s good that the authorities have instructed the owners of these places to stop selling alcohol during school exams, and I hope it will make our society better and give us a better image. I don’t think alcohol should be sold to anyone under 18 because so often it causes unpleasant incidents and disorder.

Mr Khamla, a government official in Vientiane: I think it’s good that the authorities have ordered entertainment venues and other places to stop selling alcohol during schools’ final year exams. Furthermore, it would also be good to relocate gaming shops and snooker clubs as these are distractions for students who frequent them and neglect their studies. Many young people have been the victim of undesirable activities and have degraded themselves. I commiserate with people who own businesses that sell alcohol and will have to close for a few days but I think this situation can be resolved if everyone works together. We should respect the rules and cooperate with the authorities so that we do the best thing for society and the country’s future.

Ms Phat Thongdavanh, a resident of Xieng Khuang province: I agree with the order as it will help to keep students away from alcohol during their
exams and ensure public order. I hope that bars comply with the ban and that the authorities take stringent measures against those disregard the order, and ensure it’s carried out effectively.
Ms Lina, a worker in Oudomxay province: I agree with the order because I think it will help to protect people from alcohol and create a more orderly society. If possible the ban should be imposed countrywide, not just in Bokeo and Borikhamxay provinces, as is the case at present. All entertainment venues and bars should strictly respect the regulations and check identity cards to prevent drinking by young people under the age of 18. The authorities should consider the regulations regarding this issue and adapt them to make them consistent. And everyone should cooperate with the authorities to help ensure a more orderly society.

Ms Chai Thongkhampan, an employee in Savannakhet province: I think it’s good that the authorities have instructed entertainment venues and bars to stop selling alcohol during school exams. It would be even better if this order is rolled out all around the country and the owners of these businesses take the order seriously. I think this is something we can tackle if everyone works together. I’d like all government officials and students to comply with the ruling, so that schools’ final year exams can take place without the intrusion of alcohol and order is maintained. We should respect the rules and cooperate with the authorities in order to ensure security and safety.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update July 7, 2022)