According to Business Insider, cooperative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is in favour of the proposals.
“All of these I consider to be useful medium- to long-term tools to reduce SA’s high rate of alcohol consumption to be considered by the legislature in due course,” she said.
Changes could be permanent
On Monday, the director of the Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance (Saapa), Maurice Smithers, said some of the changes were being considered on a permanent basis by policymakers.
Speaking on CapeTalk, Smithers said the proposals will fundamentally change how alcohol is seen and consumed in the country.
Significantly increasing excise tax annually to make alcohol less affordable and discourage excessive drinking.
Finalising the Road Traffic Amendment Bill, now before parliament, which aims to outlaw drinking and driving completely.
The dependence of restaurants and the tourism industries on alcohol for economic survival. “A new business model is needed to change this to mitigate the affect of restrictions that may happen in the future.” Small subsistence traders in alcohol needed help migrating to more sustainable, socially beneficial ways to make a living, thereby reducing the number of alcohol outlets.
Empowering communities to play an effective role in deciding where, when and how alcohol should be sold and consumed in their neighbourhoods.
The Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance in SA (SAAPA) has called on SA Breweries (SAB) to comply with government on the alcohol ban and to withdraw its “divisive” pending court case.