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National Assembly Member Litta Khattiya has called for clearly defined blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits for different categories of vehicle drivers as lawmakers review amendments to the Law on Alcohol Control, aiming to strengthen road safety and reduce alcohol-related harm.
Mr. Litta, who represents Constituency 17 in Attapeu Province, raised the proposal during the second ordinary session of the 10th National Assembly on October 14, 2026, following a presentation of the revised draft law by Minister of Health Baykham Khatiya.
He expressed support for stronger controls, penalties and fines to curb excessive alcohol consumption and its social and economic consequences. He also supported the draft law’s provision prohibiting alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of 40% or higher, noting its relevance to existing measures to prevent traffic accidents.
Mr. Litta highlighted concerns over high alcohol consumption in Laos, particularly among young people, who form an important part of the country’s workforce. He said alcohol-related problems contribute to traffic accidents and impose a significant economic burden, estimated at up to 7% of gross domestic product annually.
Other lawmakers called for comprehensive regulation covering the production, processing, packaging, import, export, distribution, sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages, as well as advertising and the management of venues where alcohol is sold or consumed.
The revised law aims to strengthen regulations and monitoring mechanisms to curb excessive drinking, reduce alcohol-related health risks and unnecessary expenditure, protect lives and property, maintain social order and support national socio-economic development.
The proposed amendments are being considered as part of broader efforts to improve alcohol control and address its effects on public health and road safety.
KPL
