South Africa grapples with harmful drinking policies amid rising alcohol consumption

As South Africa continues to grapple with the severe repercussions of harmful drinking, the country's approach to tackling this pressing public health issue is undergoing significant scrutiny.

Concerned organisations are raising alarms regarding the prevalence of alcohol consumption, which they argue has been normalised within society while laws governing it remain lax.

One of the more controversial policy suggestions currently circulating is the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP), which aims to raise the price of alcohol to curb excessive drinking.

Anti-drug-focused NPO World Changers candidate Luca Mahlakgane vehemently denounced the MUP idea, stating that the crafting of such policies often stems from the very alcohol companies they aim to regulate.

“One of the issues we face is that much of the policy drafting is done by alcohol companies themselves, which they then pass to Parliament for approval. From where we stand, the issue of alcohol is not even debatable,” he remarked, highlighting a disconnect between legislative action and ground realities.

Mahlakgane also emphasised the daily struggles within communities affected by alcohol and substance abuse. “When you try to make everything academic, you lose a lot of points. Just step outside, and you will see people drinking from Monday to Friday. South African laws have normalised drinking; it has become a lifestyle. Children grow up in families where drinking is commonplace, leading to early access to alcohol,” he noted.

Charlene Louw, the CEO of the Beer Association of South Africa, cautions against plans to MUP, explaining that while it may seem like a simple fix, raising prices to reduce consumption argues the consequences are far-reaching and complex.

“South Africa is facing a real challenge in addressing the consequences of harmful drinking. We see it in our hospitals, on our roads, and in our communities. It’s a problem that demands decisive action, but not desperate shortcuts,” she stated.

“Minimum pricing does not impact all consumers equally. It hits the lowest-income drinkers the hardest, not just the heaviest drinkers. Instead of reducing consumption, many will turn to unregulated, illegal alcohol, which is often cheaper and far more dangerous. This is not a theoretical concern; it is already occurring across the country.”

In light of these complexities, the South African Breweries (SAB) revealed to Saturday Star that it has begun engaging constructively with the government amidst the policy discussions.

SAB emphasises the necessity for balanced solutions that protect jobs and preserve tax revenue. She suggests a tax system that avoids excessive burdens on consumers, particularly as the nation grapples with the challenges presented by the illicit alcohol trade.

“Our focus is on sharing market insights and collaborating on solutions that balance public health objectives with the need to protect jobs, safeguard tax revenue, and address the growing challenge of illicit alcohol trade.”

“Key concerns raised include the excessive excise burden on beer, the risks of inflation-linked tax hikes, and the potential impact on the illicit alcohol trade. SAB proposes a more predictable, structured tax system that supports small brewers, encourages innovation, and avoids measures like Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP), which could further burden consumers in a struggling economy. SAB remains committed to constructive engagement with the government to ensure excise policies that support a sustainable and responsible alcohol industry while addressing social and economic concerns. We urge the National Treasury to work closely with industry stakeholders to develop a more predictable and evidence-based approach to excise tax adjustments in the future.” 

David Harrison, the CEO of the DG Murray Trust (DGMT), has shed light on the implications of the policy, arguing that the real punishments faced by the poor stem from the alcohol industry’s practices rather than proposed regulations.

Harrison highlighted the desperate escape many people in poorer communities seek through alcohol consumption, exacerbated by limited recreational alternatives. 

“Many people in poorer communities drink to escape the hardships of daily life in the absence of recreational alternatives. High rates of misery make it far harder for a person to ‘drink responsibly’ than someone experiencing the good life,” Harrison stated. 

anita.nkonki@inl.co.za

Saturday Star