I don't want you to lose your fun, but many times, I have to refuse flatly.
In Vietnamese communication culture, alcohol and beer have long been considered "catalysts" for meetings and connections. But when that joy is pushed beyond the limit, turned into persistent invitations, even coercion, it is no longer culture, but has become a form of social pressure that needs to be regulated by law.
The Government's issuance of Decree 90/2026 on sanctioning administrative violations in the health sector stipulating the act of enticement and coercion of others to drink alcohol or use this drink right before and during working hours and study will cause violators to pay 1-3 million VND. This is a noteworthy sign in the effort to restore the order of alcohol consumption culture and also a clear message: The right to refuse must be respected.
Reality shows that in many parties, from company parties, meetings with partners to gatherings with friends, the situation of "not drinking is not fun", "not drunk does not go home" is still common. People who do not drink are often seen with unsympathetic eyes, attributed to prejudices such as "not enthusiastic", "unfamiliar", even isolated from the collective. Initial invitations may be social, but when repeated, upgraded to coercion, it is already a violation of personal rights.
It is worth mentioning that the consequences of forcing alcohol consumption do not stop at emotions. It can lead to serious health risks, especially for people with underlying illnesses, people who are not used to alcoholic beverages. Many cases have been hospitalized due to alcohol poisoning, traffic accidents after drinking sessions, even leaving long-term physical and mental consequences. Then, the question is: Who will be responsible for these consequences?
In that context, it is absolutely necessary to include the act of forcing drinking alcohol in the penalty category. It is not only deterrent, but also contributes to reshaping the standards of behavior in society. An invitation may be polite, but respecting other people's choices is civilized.
However, it is also necessary to recognize that sanctions are only part of the solution. With a fine of 1-3 million VND, many opinions believe that it is not strong enough to create a clear change, especially in environments where drinking culture has become deeply ingrained as an "underground practice". The problem is not only in the fine level, but also in the ability to detect, handle and more importantly, change perceptions.
One of the major difficulties is that forced drinking behavior often takes place in private space, is difficult to prove, and difficult to make a record. No one wants to turn a party into a "punishment scene". Therefore, if only relying on functional forces, this regulation will be difficult to put into practice. The participation of the entire community is needed to speak out, refuse, and protect their right to choose.
For this regulation to be truly effective, the most important thing is still to change perceptions. Everyone needs to understand that enthusiasm cannot be measured by the number of glasses of wine and feelings cannot be built on coercion. A happy meeting is when everyone is comfortable, not when someone has to reluctantly raise a glass.
It's time to say "no" to the culture of forced drinking. Not to lose the fun, but to make the fun more civilized, safer and truly meaningful. Then, sanctions will no longer be a tool of punishment, but become a fulcrum for a new standard, where respect and personal rights are put first.
