How much is fine for employing minors to sell alcoholic beverages in Vietnam?
How much is fine for employing minors to sell alcoholic beverages in Vietnam? My name is Lam, 46 years old, from Nghe An, I work as a wine seller. The other day, an acquaintance introduced me to 16-year-old girl, name Hoa to help me sell alcoholic beverages. I saw that Hoa's family was poor, so I helped rent her. I want to ask if my behavior is against the law? How much will I be fined if I hire Hoa to sell alcoholic beverages?
Can I employ minors to sell alcoholic beverages in Vietnam?
Pursuant to Article 5 of the Law on Prevention and Control of Harmful Effects of Alcoholic Beverages 2019 stipulates the prohibited acts as follows:
1. Inciting, persuading and forcing another to consume alcoholic beverages.
2. Consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons under 18 years of age (hereinafter referred to as “minors”).
3. Selling, supplying and offering discounts on alcoholic beverages to minors.
4. Employing minors to directly engage in production, purchase and sale of alcoholic beverages.
5. Consumption of alcoholic beverages during working and learning hours and break time by officials, public employees and employees working for organizations, officers, enlistees, non-commissioned officers, soldiers and persons working for People's Armed Force, and students.
6. Operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol.
7. Advertising spirits having at least 15% ABV.
8. Providing inaccurate and misleading information about effects of alcoholic beverages on health.
9. Running sales promotions of alcoholic beverages having at least 15% ABV; using alcoholic beverages having at least 15% ABV to run sales promotions in any shape or form.
10. Using raw materials, additives and food processing aids not permitted for use in food; raw materials, additives and food processing aids that are unqualified and of unknown origins for production and preparation of alcoholic beverages.
11. Trading in spirits without any license or registration; selling alcoholic beverages using vending machines.
12. Trading in, possessing and transporting alcoholic beverages that are counterfeit, illegally imported, unqualified and of unknown origin, illegally importing alcoholic beverages.
13. Other prohibited acts related to alcoholic beverages as prescribed by law.
How much is fine for employing minors to sell alcoholic beverages in Vietnam?
Besides, Article 35 of Decree 117/2020/ND-CP stipulates violations against regulations on responsibilities of alcoholic beverage traders as follows:
1. A fine ranging from VND 3.000.000 to VND 5.000.000 shall be imposed for commission of one of the following violations:
a) Failing to provide adequate and accurate information on their business at the request of competent authorities;
b) Failing to remind or post a sign warning customers not to drive after drinking.
2. A fine ranging from VND 10.000.000 to VND 15.000.000 shall be imposed for commission of one of the following violations:
a) Employing persons aged under 18 to directly engage in trading of alcoholic beverages.
b) Providing inaccurate information or information without scientific grounds about alcoholic beverages.
3. Remedial measure:
The violating entity is compelled to remove violating elements on alcoholic beverage products (if any) and correct inaccurate information in case of commission of the violation in Point b Clause 2 of this Article.
Thus, according to current regulations in Vietnam, compared with the case you mentioned, your behavior is strictly prohibited and will be administratively sanctioned with a fine of between VND 10,000,000 and 15,000,000.
Best Regards!
