The Western Cape government has published its\u00a0Alcohol Harms Reduction Policy White Paper which details how it plans to clamp down on alcohol consumption in the region, including a provincial tax to increase the cost of alcohol.<\/p>\n
Public comments have already been considered on the draft Alcohol-related harms reduction green paper, and this White Paper has been approved by the Provincial Cabinet.<\/p>\n
The White Paper informs amendments to liquor legislation, and proposals would be instituted by relevant departments. Stakeholders will be encouraged to implement programmes for the reduction of alcohol harms.<\/p>\n
The paper cites concerns over high alcohol abuse in the region and states that this abuse is ultimately being subsidised by the taxpayer.<\/p>\n
“(Government) acknowledges the importance of the alcohol industry, particularly in the Western Cape. The economic contribution is however dwarfed by the costs of alcohol-related harms and that \u2013 along with the other social harms \u2013 necessitates a revised policy focus aimed at reducing alcohol-related harms,” it said.<\/p>\n
“To address demand drivers, the policy proposes lobbying for a national ban on alcohol advertising that is visible to any persons under the age of 18.<\/p>\n
“On the provincial level, in the event that a total ban is not achieved, the WCG should prohibit advertising, marketing and promotion of alcohol products<\/strong> and companies at all WCG public facilities and events organised by the WCG.”<\/p>\n Below are some of the other big alcohol changes being proposed by the white paper.<\/p>\n You can find the full white paper here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n
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