Australia Launches Alcohol Safety Campaign After Laos Methanol Deaths

The campaign targets young travellers with warnings about counterfeit alcohol risks as families of victims push for answers in stalled investigation.

The Australian government has introduced a new Smartraveller campaign to educate young travellers about methanol poisoning and alcohol safety abroad.
The campaign includes social media outreach, text alerts, airport messaging, and a safety hub launching in June with resources for schools and parents.
The deaths of six foreign tourists, including Australians Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, in Laos in November 2024 remain under investigation with little progress reported.
Families of the victims, including Jones and Bowles, have expressed frustration over the lack of transparency and accountability in the Laos investigation.
Methanol poisoning is a global issue, with thousands affected annually and fatality rates between 20% and 40%, often linked to counterfeit alcohol in tourist destinations.