Phnom Penh: On the afternoon of March 4, 2024, the Minister of Information Neth Pheaktra convened a significant meeting with key stakeholders from the alcohol production and advertising sectors at the Ministry of Information. This gathering aimed to address and reinforce the guidelines for alcohol advertising across both traditional and modern media platforms, building on previous discussions with television station owners to ensure responsible advertisement practices.

The Minister emphasized the urgent need to refine alcohol advertising to protect societal values and ethics. Key recommendations included halting the use of imagery that encourages drinking through popular culture references like music and boxing, avoiding the use of inappropriate or suggestive images in conjunction with alcohol promotion, and ensuring that beer commercials convey health education messages. These messages should emphasize responsible drinking behaviors, such as not driving under the influence, to create a balance between advertising and educational outreach.

Highlighting the importance of a collaborative approach, the Minister called for a public-private partnership to effectively manage alcohol advertising. Such cooperation is deemed essential for fostering social well-being, reducing risks associated with alcohol consumption, and promoting social harmony. The stakeholders were urged to adhere strictly to existing regulations and laws to achieve these objectives.

To facilitate ongoing dialogue and find practical solutions for ethical and legal advertising practices, the Minister announced the formation of a joint technical working group comprising representatives from both public and private sectors. Participants at the meeting, including representatives from alcohol manufacturers and advertising companies, expressed their support for the initiative, committing to play an active role in regulating alcohol advertising responsibly.

This move marks a significant step towards ensuring that alcohol advertising in Cambodia is conducted in a manner that is mindful of public health and social values, reflecting a shared commitment to the well-being of the Cambodian community.