The families of two Australian teenagers who died of methanol poisoning in Laos have criticised the charges for the distillery owner linked to the deadly drinks, which carry a maximum of four years in prison.

Melbourne teens Bianca Jones and Holly Morton-Bowles, both aged 19, were among several tourists who were killed after drinking tainted shots at the Vang Vieng Nana Backpackers Hostel in 2024.

Two Danish women, an American man and a British woman also died in the incident.

The charges include the sale of food products harmful to health and operating an illegal business. They carry a penalty ranging from three months to four years’ imprisonment as well as a fine.

Lao officials had previously said prosecutors did not believe they had enough evidence to link the ‘Tiger alcohol’ consumed to the deaths of the teenagers.

Denmark’s foreign ministry says the case will remain open for 15 years, meaning that more serious charges carrying higher penalties such as negligent manslaughter may still be brought if sufficient evidence can be established.

Lao officials held a press conference on Friday afternoon in the Laos capital Vientiane, but international media outlets were denied entry.

Bereaved parents Michelle Jones and Samantha Morton have been seeking justice for their children. Photo: AAP

Jones’ mother, Michelle, expressed anger over the charges being linked to minor offences.

“It’s like their lives didn’t even matter,” Michelle said. “We’re just really appalled by it all. You know, they were just going over to have a bit of fun and just doing the rite of passage that every child or teenager does. So for that outcome, it was just devastating.”

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said the government felt ”deeply frustrated and bitterly disappointed” that authorities in Laos were not pursuing the most serious charges in relation to the deaths.

”We have consistently made clear our expectations that charges should reflect the gravity of the tragedy,” Wong said in a statement, adding the government had advocated for a thorough and transparent investigation into the deaths.

”What happened to Holly, Bianca and four other foreign nationals should never have happened.”

Nana Backpackers hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos, is now closed. Photo: AAP

Seasoned Australian diplomat Pablo Kang had been asked earlier this year to “explore all avenues to progress the case”, and had engaged extensively with Lao authorities on behalf of the government and the families.

Kang is expected to travel to Laos to convey the federal government’s objections and reinforce the expectations for an investigation that delivers justice.

Wong will speak with her Lao counterpart next week when she travels to Manila for the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers’ Meetings.

Both of Bianca’s parents on Friday issued a warning to Australians to not to travel to the country.

“Our very message to Australian and international travellers is do not go to Laos, it’s a country that simply doesn’t value life.”

-with AAP