The South African government published a discussion document proposing to brake if not end altogether the country’s boozy barbeque lifestyle and casual acceptance of drinking and driving.
A crate of control measures published in the Government Gazette will radically change the way South Africans live and entertain themselves.
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The proposals will impact on major sports codes that stand to lose billions in alcohol sponsorships.
Liquor sales earn government two billion euros in taxes a year.
The industry directly creates 22 000 jobs and supports three times as many people.
South Africans drink 5 billion litres of alcoholic drinks a year.
The World Health Organisation ranks them fourth on the list of countries with the riskiest drinking patterns.
Alcohol is the most commonly abused drug in South Africa.
The cost of alcohol abuse is estimated to be 2% of gross domestic product.
Alcohol is the third-largest contributor to death and disability after sexually transmitted infections and interpersonal violence.
.About 40% of the population drink alcohol, but only 10% are believed to be abusing it.
The national liquor policy aims to increase the legal drinking age from 18 to 21.
It will restrict times for sale of liquor in zoned areas.
It will limit advertising and marketing of alcohol and introduce liability for manufacturers.