Prime Minister Hun Manet has directed the relevant authorities to assess alcohol advertisements, specifically those on public billboards, in an effort to reduce accidents caused by drunk driving.
The directive was issued during a plenary session of the Council of Ministers chaired by Manet on Feb 2, where various issues, including those related to alcohol, were discussed.
Manet has instructed the Information Ministry to collaborate with the Health and Commerce ministries in developing a comprehensive code of conduct for alcohol advertising, according to the council’s press release.
This mandate builds upon the Prime Minister’s earlier order – issued at the closing ceremony of the Information Ministry’s annual meeting on Jan 23 – to strengthen alcohol control on drivers due to the significant role of alcohol in vehicular accidents.
“I urged National Police chief Sar Thet to enhance alcohol control, recognising its tragic consequences,” he said.
Kep provincial governor Som Piseth said on Sunday that Manet’s instructions were directed at provincial and municipal authorities nationwide.
“Previously, there were no legal provisions restricting alcohol advertisements, leading to a wide array of alcohol promotion. To address this, a multi-provincial team now verifies public signage, acknowledging the impact of displays on religious and cultural traditions,” he said.
Piseth said he envisions improved implementation by sub-national authorities, like Kep province, to formulate dedicated ethical standards for alcohol advertising. — The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
