People are drinking beer at a party in this file photo. National Assembly Vice Chairman Phung Quoc Hien has proposed community service for drivers with higher-than-permitted alcohol concentration

Meanwhile, those using drugs and causing serious traffic accidents should have their driving licenses revoked permanently, Hien said at a discussion today, May 9, in the framework of the NA standing Committee’s 34th session.

NA Vice Chairwoman Tong Thi Phong said if the draft law on alcohol harm prevention cannot achieve the consensus of most of deputies, it should not be approved at this session.

Nguyen Thuy Anh, head of the NA Committee for Social Affairs, admitted that the draft law remains controversial. However, driving under the influence of alcohol has sparked grave public concerns, so the postponement of the draft law approval may raise objections.

She proposed continue discussing the draft law at the NA’s seventh sitting, which is scheduled to take place from May 20 to June 13.

NA Vice Chairman Uong Chu Luu agreed with Anh on the early approval of the draft law on alcohol restriction to raise the people’s awareness of possible consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol. SGT