PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Information has banned the use of women and minors in alcohol advertisements in order to protect the dignity of women and the futures of Cambodian youth.

On January 9, the Ministry ordered all online media, advertising services, manufacturers, importers and distributors of alcohol to cease any ad campaigns depicting women and minors offering prizes and rewards for drinking their brand. It said the move is meant to preserve the rights and dignity of women and to avoid the danger posed to Cambodian youth’s future by encouraging alcohol use.

The Ministry also addressed the irresponsible consumption of alcohol which contributes to traffic accidents and domestic violence, ultimately affecting social well-being. It will now require all alcohol ads in any form to include the message, “Drink Responsibly. Do Not Drink and Drive.”

The Ministry set a reasonable time to prepare, change and edit new alcohol advertisements in line with social ethics.

Those who do not comply with the new regulations will have their ads suspended, while the media owner will be subject to the terms of their contract held with the Ministry of Information.