Australian government campaigns against tainted drinks
A new campaign aims to raise awareness of the danger methanol-laced drinks pose to Australians travelling abroad after the recent spate of poisonings in Laos.
The campaign from Smartraveller, which is the platform the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade uses to offer Australians travel advice, has come about in the aftermath of the outbreak of methanol poisonings in the South East Asian nation of Laos late last year. The tainted spirits were given to guests at a backpacker hostel in Vang Vieng, costing the lives of six foreign tourists, including two 19-year-olds from Australia.
Australia’s Minster for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong said: “The families of Holly [Bowles] and Bianca [Jones] are foremost in my mind today, and also the many families of other Australians who have lost loved ones.”
“We want our children to be curious and explore the world – but above all else, we want them to be safe,” continued Wong. “These efforts will help young Australians travelling overseas to protect themselves from methanol poisoning, drinking spiking and other alcohol harms.”
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Due to commence from next month, the campaign will use social media, text messages and advertising at Australian airports to target young people who may be planning on going travelling. The content of the campaign will focus on the symptoms of methanol poisoning, and what to do if a drink has been tainted or spiked.
Young Australians are also encouraged to check smartraveller.gov.au for the latest advice on the risks that can come with drinking abroad. From June onwards, Smartraveller will also host an online safety hub offering resources for teaching on the issue of alcohol consumption abroad.
“The Australian Government’s increased messaging and targeted advice to young travellers, including school leavers and their parents through social media will help raise awareness of the serious and varied risks from alcohol consumption overseas,” added Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts.
Laos is certainly not the only country to have had recent issues with counterfeit alcohol. British tourists planning trips to Türkiye have been warned about the danger posed by poisoned spirits, despite efforts in Istanbul to crack down on the problem.
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