Beer Cheaper Than Water: Vietnam & Czech Republic Lead Global Trend

• In countries like Vietnam and the Czech Republic, beer is surprisingly cheaper than bottled water due to low taxes and local production methods.
• Vietnam's "Bia Hoi" costs Rs. 17-35, while a 500ml water bottle is Rs. 100+, with only a 30% tax on beer.
• The Czech Republic, with the highest per capita beer consumption, sells beer for $2, whereas water costs $3, driven by centuries of brewing history.
• Bottled water is expensive because tap water is often unsafe, requiring purification, bottling, and transport costs.
• WHO warns that cheap alcohol leads to excessive drinking, posing a public health threat, recommending higher taxes despite price inelasticity.

Why It Matters: Low taxes and local customs make beer cheaper than water in some nations, raising public health concerns.