On February 8, a day after an article mentioned the controversy surrounding drivers marketing Heineken’s “0.0” beer on the TP HCM – Long Thanh – Dau Giay expressway, the company responded to Bao Nguoi Lao Dong.
According to Heineken, the “0.0” beer that the company is advertising on the TP HCM – Long Thanh – Dau Giay expressway falls under the category of “Non-alcoholic malt beverages – Non-alcoholic beverages of HEINEKEN Vietnam.”
Highway rest stop on the TP HCM – Long Thanh – Dau Giay expressway selling controversial non-alcoholic beer
According to the response, the product “Heineken 0.0” has been introduced to Vietnamese consumers since the beginning of 2020. “The introduction of “Heineken 0.0” at the “Resting station” area is only intended to introduce the product, increase awareness, and not intended to sell the product. The product is given free of charge to visitors at the counter,” the statement said.
“Although the product falls under the category of non-alcoholic beverages, HEINEKEN Vietnam strictly follows the marketing regulations and its responsibility as a group, which means there is no access to consumers who are not of legal drinking age. Therefore, we only introduce Heineken 0.0 to people 18 years and older,” Heineken informed.
As previously reported by Bao Nguoi Lao Dong, in recent days, when stopping at rest areas on the TP HCM – Long Thanh – Dau Giay expressway, traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Central provinces, drivers are being marketed a type of Heineken drink called “Henieken 0.0”.
Marketing staff at the rest areas even call it “non-alcoholic beer, drink without getting drunk” and offer samples. However, the product is not recommended for people under 18 years old.
This marketing activity has faced much controversy, especially during a period when the Ministry of Public Security is intensifying enforcement of regulations on alcohol levels for drivers.
