South Africa: Govt Kicks Off Anti-Alcohol Abuse Drive

Alcohol abuse costs the state more than R9 billion per year, and this has prompted government to build on a massive awareness campaign, warning liquor consumers and traders about the risks of drinking alcohol.

Launching the national anti-alcohol abuse campaign on Monday, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Elizabeth Thabethe, said issues relating to alcohol abuse were costing the country too much money.

Government should be using the R9 billion per year on other programmes which will improve the lives of people for the better, said Ms Thabethe.

For this reason her department and the National Liquor Authority have embarked on the campaign to ensure the liquor industry promotes the ethos of social responsibility.

According to the deputy minister, the liquor industry records an annual turnover of over R30 billion.

"Excise duties collected on alcoholic beverages were estimated at R4.2 billion. However, the social costs of alcohol-related trauma and accidents far exceed the revenue collected."

The deputy minister stated that it was in the public's interest that government intervene to ensure liquor consumers make informed choices, through liquor regulators.

The campaign will kick-off in De Aar in the Northern Cape on 27 August.

Independent research has revealed that De Aar has highest incidents of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome in the world.

According to the research, about 500 000 South Africans are suffering from Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorders at any given time.

This is a medical condition or disorder that manifests in a child whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy.

Ms Thabethe said the campaign was launched during Women's Month to create awareness about the effects of alcohol in specifically pregnant women.

The campaign is also aimed at reducing easy access to liquor for vulnerable groups such as minors and pregnant women.

The deputy minister said the campaign would alert liquor outlets about the legal implications of selling liquor to minors while also telling consumers about the risks of excessive drinking.

The department is to work with the liquor industry in the various provinces to ensure that the message reaches all affected parties, including tavern owners.

Ms Thabethe also warned liquor traders who did not comply with the National Liquor Act, which outlines the age restrictions in the selling of liquor.

"People sell [liquor] to make a profit but they can't make money by contravening the law. They must comply with the law and make money on good and moral values," she said.

Alcohol abuse by workers affects performance and productivity at the workplace.

"Major elements of the cost incurred by alcohol abusing workers include the reduction in productivity, earnings of workers and death in the workplace that negatively impact on individuals, families, companies and the economy in general," said deputy minister Thabethe.

She said addicted alcohol drinkers needed to accept that they had a problem and then seek help. The Department of Social Development would assist such people with rehabilitation, she said.

The Head of National Liquor Authority Jeremiah Mela, said the campaign would teach traders about responsible selling of liquor while calling on consumers to drink responsibly.

He said the campaign would be rolled-out across the country within eight months.

All provinces will host conferences, workshops and seminars to educate all stakeholders in line with the objectives of this campaign, he added.

BuaNews