What Are the Drinking Laws in Cambodia?
Cambodia’s approach to alcohol is distinctive in Southeast Asia liberal on the surface, yet gradually tightening in response to growing public health concerns. Unlike its ASEAN neighbors, Cambodia has no official legal drinking age and only minimal restrictions on alcohol sales or advertising. However, draft legislation is underway to modernize and regulate consumption more responsibly.
Whether you’re a traveler looking to enjoy local beer or an expat settling into Cambodian life, understanding the legal and cultural framework surrounding alcohol is essential. Here’s what you need to know about Cambodia’s drinking laws in 2025.
Legal Drinking Age in Cambodia: Still Unregulated
Unlike most countries in the region, Cambodia has no legally enforced minimum age for purchasing or consuming alcohol. While it’s not uncommon to see teenagers buying beer or spirits at convenience stores, this legal gap has sparked widespread concern among public health experts and NGOs.
Ongoing Legislative Push:
- A draft alcohol control bill has circulated for several years, proposing a minimum legal age of 18 or 21, but has not yet been passed into law.
- Organizations like Movendi International and SEAPublicPolicy.org have advocated for the swift adoption of a national age limit.
- According to Kiripost, around 13% of Cambodian youth begin drinking before the age of 18.
In comparison, nearly all ASEAN countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, enforce a legal minimum drinking age of 18.
Alcohol Sales Regulations: Few Restrictions
In Cambodia, alcohol is available almost anytime, anywhere. There are no nationwide laws restricting the time or location of alcohol sales, except during major national elections.
Key Points:
| Regulation | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sales hours | No restrictions | 24/7 availability in most places |
| Election blackout periods | Temporary bans | Businesses must halt sales or face fines (Phnom Penh Post) |
| Vendor responsibilities | No ID checks required | Due to lack of age law, vendors are not obligated to verify age |
| Festival sales | Unregulated | Alcohol flows freely during public events (Kiripost) |
Because no law mandates proof-of-age checks, alcohol is often sold to minors without scrutiny, especially in rural provinces.
Drinking and Driving Laws in Cambodia
While Cambodia is lenient in sales and consumption laws, it maintains strict drunk driving regulations to address rising traffic fatalities.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI):
- Legal BAC limit: 0.5 g/l (grams per liter)
- Applies to all drivers, regardless of license type
- Enforcement includes random roadside breathalyzer tests, especially during holidays or checkpoints
Penalties:
- First-time offenders can face fines and temporary license suspension
- Aggravated offenses causing injury or death can result in criminal charges and imprisonment
- The Khmer Times has reported government crackdowns and heightened enforcement following road safety campaigns
Drunk driving remains one of the most consistently enforced areas of alcohol regulation in the country.
Alcohol Advertising Laws: Weak but Evolving
Cambodia’s media landscape allows unrestricted alcohol advertising, often glamorizing beer and spirits to youth. However, both government and NGO pressure are slowly leading to reform.
Status and Efforts:
- There are currently no binding rules restricting when or where alcohol can be advertised
- Proposed reforms under the alcohol control bill include:
- Bans on youth-oriented marketing
- Time-of-day restrictions for radio and TV spots
- Graphic health warnings on alcohol packaging (SokSiphana & Associates)
Some beverage companies have made voluntary pledges not to advertise to minors, though enforcement is inconsistent and largely self-regulated.
Public and Cultural Attitudes Toward Alcohol
Alcohol plays a prominent role in Cambodian society from wedding celebrations to New Year festivals. It’s widely accepted, affordable, and part of daily life for many.
Yet, the cultural tide is shifting:
- Health advocates warn of rising alcohol dependency among youth and working-age adults
- NGOs and think tanks like Cambodianess have raised concerns about unregulated drinking
- Public surveys show growing support for legislation to curb underage drinking and promote responsible alcohol use
The Cambodian government has hosted multi-stakeholder dialogues to align public health goals with future alcohol policy (Phnom Penh Post).
Summary Table: Cambodia’s Drinking Laws in 2025
| Law/Regulation | Status in 2025 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Legal drinking age | No official minimum | Draft law under review (18 or 21) |
| Sales restrictions | None (nationwide) | Temporary bans during elections |
| BAC limit for drivers | 0.5 g/l | Strict enforcement in urban areas |
| Vendor ID checks | Not required | May change with new regulation |
| Alcohol advertising | Lightly regulated | Reforms pending to protect youth |
Why This Matters for Expats, Tourists & Vendors
If you live in Cambodia or plan to travel here, it’s critical to understand the nuances of its alcohol laws. While it may seem like a “free-for-all” compared to stricter neighbors, the government is moving slowly but surely toward tighter regulation.
For businesses, staying updated on draft regulations is vital. Alcohol vendors should prepare for the possibility of future enforcement on age verification, advertising, and health labeling.
Travelers should drink responsibly, especially when driving or in unfamiliar settings, and respect cultural norms even in the absence of formal laws.
Conclusion: Evolving Laws, Stable Habits
In 2025, Cambodia remains one of the most alcohol-lenient countries in Southeast Asia. There’s no legal drinking age, few sales restrictions, and only moderate advertising oversight. But mounting social pressure, international influence, and internal policy debates are likely to result in new legislation within the next few years.
To stay informed, follow local media like Cambodianess.com, PhnomPenhPost.com, or community hubs like Expat Life Cambodia.
For now, drink responsibly, stay safe, and keep your eye on the evolving legal landscape.
