Lao authorities have banned the sale and consumption of a model of whisky and vodka after the loss of life of six vacationers from a suspected mass methanol poisoning this month.
In response to Smartraveller, the Australian authorities’s journey recommendation web site, the drinks Tiger vodka and Tiger whisky have been prohibited by the Laos authorities as a result of “issues about these merchandise being a well being danger”.
The ban comes after two Australian youngsters, two Danish residents, an American and a Briton grew to become in poor health, and later died, after consuming whereas on vacation within the Vang Vieng, a well-liked backpacker hotspot. A 3rd Australian, a twin nationwide, additionally fell in poor health.
Police have detained the supervisor of a backpacker hostel in addition to seven of its employees. The supervisor had beforehand informed Related Press he gave away free photographs of Lao Vodka to about 100 friends, together with 19-year-olds Holly Bowles and her finest pal, Bianca Jones, who each died. He mentioned no different visitor had reported any issues, and that the ladies had then gone out for the evening. He has denied to different media retailers that the alcohol from his bar was tainted.
The Australian authorities on Friday warned travellers to be alert “to the potential dangers significantly with spirit-based drinks together with cocktails”.
Different governments have issued related warnings. The UK mentioned vacationers ought to solely devour alcoholic drinks from licensed alcohol shops, and “take care if [drinks are] supplied, significantly totally free, or when shopping for spirit-based drinks”.
Methanol, which is tasteless and odourless, is usually added to liquor by unscrupulous producers and can be current in do-it-yourself spirit that has not been brewed accurately. It might probably rapidly result in severe sickness.
The Laos authorities has promised “to deliver the perpetrators to justice” and expressed “honest sympathy and deepest condolences” to the households of those that died. Nevertheless, there was scarce info shared in regards to the nature of the police inquiries, whereas native media, which isn’t free to function independently, has produced little reporting in regards to the deaths.
The bars in Vang Vieng remained full of life this week, although most backpackers are avoiding spirits and solely consuming bottled beer or soju. The small city, which is surrounded by limestone mountains, has lengthy been a well-liked vacation spot for younger travellers.
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