"The intention of the bill is to reduce the exposure to the advertising and promotion of alcohol," she said in a statement. "The harmful use of alcohol has significant negative impacts on individuals, families, communities, the economy and the country as a whole," she added.
Dlamini said Cabinet approved the Control of Marketing of Alcohol Beverages Bill that should be gazetted for public comment this week.
"It is the state's responsibility to protect the health and well-being of South Africans and research indicated that alcohol advertising influenced behaviour negatively," she said adding that it appears alcohol advertising fosters positive beliefs about drinking and encouraged young people to drink alcohol and in greater quantities.
However, a detailed study conducted in 20 countries over 26 years has found that alcohol advertising bans did not decrease the consumption of alcohol.
"Alcohol advertising glamorises and encourages the use of a product that causes serious harm to individuals and to society and, despite claims from the industry that children and youth are not targeted, international research indicates that advertising does influence child and youth behaviour," Dlamini claimed.
The bill seeks to restrict the advertisement of alcoholic beverages and sponsorship associated with alcoholic beverages.
"Alcohol consumption in South Africa results in significant morbidity and mortality, increases violence, crime and road traffic crashes, has major consequences for individuals, families and communities and impacts negatively on education and the economy," Dlamini said.
"The tangible cost to the country of alcohol-related incidents across government departments have been estimated at around R38bn while research indicates that the intangible costs could be as high as R240bn," she said.
She said the tangible cost was twice what government received from excise tax and Value Added Tax on alcohol. "Alcohol is the third leading risk factor for death and disability in the country and was responsible for around 130 deaths every day," Dlamini said.
On 26 August, the SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Sacci) said restricting marketing on alcohol would have a negative affect on the industry and the economy.
Sacci's chief executive Neren Rau said the motivation given for the ban was understood but said it would not address the ills attributed to the misuse of alcohol. "Banning alcohol advertising would not produce the required results," he said.
"Alcohol abuse is a symptom of more serious socio-economic and unemployment challenges that face the country. Alleviation of alcohol abuse will be achieved if these challenges are addressed," Rau said. Rau said elements of the bill gave government a high degree of intervention in business.
Source: Sapa via I-Net Bridge
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