The group referenced Nigeria’s decision to ban sachet alcohol, which was driven by data from a national survey revealing that nearly one in ten children under the age of 13 drinks alcohol daily.

VAST-Ghana raised concerns about the design and marketing of sachet alcohol. Typically containing alcohol levels of 43% or more, the small and low-cost packaging makes it easily accessible and concealable by school children. The group stated, “This situation leads to alcohol abuse, addiction, physiological damage such as liver damage, even from small amounts, and long-term health problems, as early exposure is particularly harmful to developing bodies.”

The organisation described the normalisation of sachet alcohol near schools and transport terminals as “a threat to our national security and future human capital”. VAST-Ghana also cited a May 2025 study published in BMC Public Health, which found alcohol to be the most commonly used substance among Ghanaian students, with some beginning consumption as early as age 10.

Alcohol consumption is linked to the development of noncommunicable diseases such as liver and heart diseases, several types of cancer, and mental and behavioural health issues, including depression and alcohol use disorders, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Global data from 2019 showed that approximately 400 million people, or 7% of the world’s population aged 15 and older, had alcohol use disorders. Among these, 209 million individuals were living with alcohol dependence.

The push for policy change in Ghana follows Nigeria’s ban on sachet and small-sized alcohol bottles under 200ml, implemented by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The ban specifically targets the affordability and accessibility of small alcohol packs to minors.

A survey conducted by NAFDAC across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones revealed that 54% of minors purchase alcohol themselves, with a preference for sachets and small bottles due to their discreet size. The same data showed that nearly one in ten children under 13 consumes alcohol daily.

Defending the ban, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said : “Access to alcohol by children can be limited if pack sizes that can be easily concealed are not available. A ban on small pack sizes... can reduce the menace of underage drinking.”

Under the new rules, alcohol can be sold from 11 a.m. to midnight while a government committee reviews the effects of the policy change.

Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Saram said last month that the decades-old curbs belonged to a different time, and Health Minister Pattana Promphat called the shift “appropriate to the present situation.”

The move loosens a regulatory regime shaped heavily by Buddhist teachings on abstinence and by concerns over Thailand’s high rates of alcohol consumption. 

World Health Organization data show the country ranked 16th globally for road deaths per capita in 2021, and nearly 33,000 people were killed in drunk-driving incidents between 2019 and 2023.

Despite the significance of the rollback, the first day saw little change on the ground. 

Shop attendants in central Bangkok said many customers were unaware of the new rules, and convenience store buyers continued reaching for soft drinks over beer or spirits.

They were hit by a car while crossing a junction near Seoul’s Dongdaemun district. The mother died, and the daughter suffered major injuries.

The two had just started a three-day “mother-daughter trip” in South Korea. 

Police arrested the driver, a man in his 30s who told officers, “I don’t know how I was driving,” after being apprehended. 

Investigators said he had consumed several bottles of shochu, a traditional Japanese hard liquor, and could not recall his actions at the time of the crash.

A similar incident took place on October 25 in Seoul’s Gangnam district, where a Canadian man was fatally struck by a drunk driver. 

In both cases, the drivers’ blood alcohol levels exceeded the limit at which a licence would be cancelled.

Official data shows more than 11,000 drunk-driving accidents occurred in the country in 2024. 

Analysts say lighter sentencing practices may be one reason why such incidents remain high.

South Korean law allows for heavy penalties, including long prison terms, for deadly drunk-driving cases. However, sentencing guidelines are far lower in practice, and suspended sentences are common. The rate of repeat offences is also high.

The change will apply to about 600 locations, including five-star hotels, luxury resorts, and international tourist villages.

Wine and beer will be available under strict conditions , but spirits will remain banned.

Alcohol will only be served and consumed at approved venues, with no takeaway or retail sales allowed.

This move is part of the Kingdom’s broader Vision 2030 plan, which aims to cut its reliance on oil by expanding other sectors like tourism and entertainment.

By relaxing alcohol laws in controlled settings, Saudi Arabia hopes to attract more global travellers, especially those used to destinations like the United Arab Emirates or Bahrain, where alcohol is part of the hospitality scene.

Officials say the decision is carefully designed to support economic growth while respecting Islamic values.

Public areas, private homes, and local shops will continue to follow existing rules that ban alcohol completely .

The timing of the plan is seen by many as connected to the upcoming 2034 FIFA World Cup, which Saudi Arabia will host.

Tourism authorities expect millions of international visitors and want to offer experiences similar to those found in other global destinations.

The Kingdom has been gradually easing some social rules to support tourism.

It has already introduced new visa policies, opened up ancient heritage sites, and hosted music and cultural festivals.

In 2023, a swimsuit fashion show held at a hotel caused a stir and showed how far the country is moving to attract a wider audience.

Talks are already underway with international hotel groups and tour operators to prepare for the 2026 rollout.

The House voted 365 to 0 in favour of the bill, with three MPs abstaining. Another vote, 356 to 2, backed recommendations from a special committee that reviewed the law.

The bill will now go to the Senate for further discussion before it can become law.

This new law is set to replace Thailand’s 2008 Alcohol Control Act, which strictly regulated the sale and advertising of alcohol.

One of the key changes is the removal of Article 32, which banned alcohol advertisements. The House rejected an attempt to keep the ad ban and instead accepted a proposal from Pheu Thai MP Chanin Rungthanakiart to lift it.

According to local news reports , Chanin welcomed the vote and thanked MPs for their support. He argued that the advertising ban had caused problems for many people, including social media users who were fined for unintentionally showing alcohol brand logos.

He also said the law made it hard for small liquor producers to promote their products.

Supporters of the bill say lifting the ad ban will help local liquor businesses grow. They believe it will also boost Thailand’s image by promoting locally made drinks as part of its cultural identity.

For years, ThaiHealth, a public health group, has fought to keep strict rules on alcohol, arguing that easier access to alcohol could lead to serious health problems.

Many politicians were also afraid to challenge the ban due to concerns about promoting drinking, which goes against Buddhist teachings.

The new law is a result of a compromise between five different proposals, including ones from the government, political parties, and public health groups. The Senate will now review the bill before making a final decision.

Under the new rule, alcohol sales will be allowed on five key Buddhist holidays. These include Makha Bucha Day, Visaka Bucha Day, Asalha Bucha Day, and the start and end of Buddhist Lent.

However, not all places can sell alcohol these days. Only specific venues, such as hotels, airports, tourist areas, and designated events, will get special permission.

The proposal is part of Thailand’s plan to attract more visitors under the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025” campaign.

The country aims to welcome 39 million tourists and earn 3 trillion baht from tourism this year. The alcohol industry alone brings in around 600 billion baht annually, contributing 150 billion baht to the government in tax revenue.

The proposal still needs to go through a 15-day public review before being sent to the Minister of Public Health and then to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for final approval.

If approved, the new rules could take effect as early as May 11, 2025, on Visaka Bucha Day.

The reversal of the ban aims at tackling businesses including bars, hotels, and eateries struggling with rising costs and weak consumer spending.

It will also provide relief to many tourists in the country amidst high temperatures of almost 38 degrees Celsius.

“PM Srettha is pleased to consider proposals from restaurant operators to change laws that ban sales of alcoholic beverages from 2 pm to 5 pm,” parts of a statement on the Royal Thai Government website quoted.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin received a letter from the Restaurant Business Club on July 2. The letter contained a request for urgent relief measures including a reversal of the afternoon alcohol sales ban to ease the economic effects on citizens.

“We have to look at the overall picture on this,” Mr Srettha was quoted . “Costs are rising, but the government is also promoting tourism, which will help boost restaurant operators’ income.”

Thailand is aiming for 36.7 million travellers in 2024 to help boost its GDP growth to 3 percent. In the first half of this year, 17.5 million foreign tourists visited the country.

The tourism industry is pushing for urgent measures to attract more visitors. This comes as Thailand, which became the first country in Asia to decriminalise cannabis two years ago, is planning to reclassify marijuana as a narcotic. This will tighten rules on its planting, sales, and imports and exports.

Alcohol consumption is sometimes attributed to colder regions with less sunlight compared to warmer regions but globally, high alcohol consumption has become a significant issue. Alcohol misuse is the seventh-leading risk factor for premature death and disability according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse .

Varying patterns and cultural influences contribute to high alcohol consumption globally.  We take a closer look at some of the countries with the highest daily alcohol consumption rates.

Portugal

Portugal stands out as one of the top countries with the highest daily alcohol consumption in Europe. Recent reports indicate that around 21.4 % of the Portuguese population drinks alcohol daily, with wine being the most consumed beverage. There are also drinking gaps where men drink alcohol more than women. The drinking habits of people in Portugal are partly attributed to the cultural norm of enjoying wine with meals, especially dinner. The country’s high alcohol consumption is also linked to its strong wine production industry, making wine affordable and easily accessible.

Spain

Spain follows closely with high numbers of Spaniards consuming alcohol daily. Statistics revealed by Land_geist based on numbers from Eurostat reveal that about 13.5% of Spaniards drink alcohol daily, mostly wine and beer. The country’s "tapas" culture, where small plates of food are often accompanied by drinks, sometimes contributes to regular alcohol intake. This drinking pattern is deeply ingrained in socialisation with alcohol consumption being a common part of social gatherings and meals.

Italy

Alcohol intake in Italy has been increasing over the years. Now the country also ranks high in daily alcohol consumption, with wine playing a central role in its drinking culture. Approximately 12.4% of Italians consume alcohol daily, mainly due to the tradition of having wine with lunch and dinner. Many Italians usually have leisurely meals with family and friends, accompanied by alcohol, adding to the rising numbers in consumption.

France

France is fourth on the list with a record of 10.4% daily alcohol consumption. For a country where alcohol advertisement on television and in cinemas is illegal, there’s quite a huge amount of consumption by its citizens. Alcohol intake is more popular among men than in women. More than four men compared to one woman out of ten are affected . Excessive drinking is more common amongst persons living alone, men or women, while moderate drinking is more prevalent amongst those living in families. Wine is particularly popular, enjoyed both with meals and as a social beverage. The country's strong wine production and consumption tradition and its social drinking norms have made alcohol a regular part of daily life for many French people.

Other countries in the ranks include Croatia (10.4%), Belgium (10.1%) and Denmark (10.0%). These three countries are the only countries outside of the southern half of Europe where 10% or more consume alcohol every day.

Turkey (0.5%) and Lithuania (0.8%) are the only countries in Europe where less than 1% of adults consume alcohol every day. In most of the Nordic and Baltic countries, that percentage is also very low.

In Europe, Turkey (0.5%) and Lithuania (0.8%) have the lowest daily alcohol consumption rates, with less than 1% of adults drinking alcohol every day. In many Nordic and Baltic countries, daily alcohol consumption is also very low.

The country's tax authorities say that this decline is affecting alcohol tax revenue projections. In response, the government has organised elaborate events to encourage Gen Z to consume more alcoholic beverages.

These efforts are critical for tax revenue and the survival of companies producing these beverages. To counteract the largest liquor tax revenue decrease in thirty-one years, the National Tax Agency (NTA) launched a contest in July 2022, inviting people aged 20 to 39 (20 is the legal drinking age in Japan) to develop business plans to increase alcohol demand among young people. The NTA cited the COVID-19 pandemic, an ageing population, and lower fertility rates as reasons for lower alcohol sales.

However, not everyone supports this state-sponsored campaign. Japanese economist Hidetomi Tanaka called it an "irresponsible and unorthodox drinking campaign" in The New York Times, and many Twitter users criticised the launch.

Why are young Japanese staying away from alcohol?

Not long ago, alcoholism was a problem in Japan. Research from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) revealed that, in 2020 , 73% of Japanese men aged 15 to 39 consumed harmful amounts of alcohol, compared to 39% globally. For women, 62% in Japan consumed harmful amounts, versus just 13% globally.

Now, a new generation is choosing sobriety. Studies from the UK, the US, and Australia indicate that Gen Z is more sober than previous generations. Post-COVID-19, young people in Japan have resisted the pressures of the country’s prevalent business drinking culture. Attitudes have shifted towards drinks with lower alcohol content, with an increase in sales of alcohol-free beer, according to beer industry executives, and the opening of the country's first non-alcoholic bar.