The government through the Ministry of Information has instructed owners of television and radio stations as well as online media to suspend alcohol advertising during the lockdown as consumption of alcohol in Phnom Penh and Kandal Takhmao has been banned.

In a letter sent to media owners on April 19, information minister Khieu Kanharith said the suspension came following the government’s recommendation on April 16 that nationwide alcohol consumption be banned during the lockdown.

“Suspend all kinds of alcohol advertising from the day of the notice until April 30, 2021,” the letter read.

Prime Minister Hun Sen said in an audio message on the night of April 14 that people had continued to gather to have drinking parties despite the risks of infection associated with gatherings.

He ordered that nationwide alcohol sales be stopped for 14 days to contain the spread of Covid-19. But the selling of food, drinking water, soft drinks and basic essentials could continue as normal.