The level of alcohol abuse in South Africa is not acceptable, South African Breweries (SAB) said on Wednesday.
As a result, the company has developed strategies to address this problem, which has a ”disproportionately” negative impact on South African society, said SAB chairperson Norman Adami.
Adami said the programmes will focus on drinking and driving, foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and underage drinking.
”A small percentage of South Africans abuse alcohol and we view this as completely unacceptable. If something is not good for South Africa, then it is ultimately not good for our business.
”These new programmes are based on a thorough review that indicated the need for targeted actions that go beyond communications and education,” said Adami.
During Transport Month in October, SAB, in conjunction with local and provincial law enforcement, will launch the first of a number of Alcohol Evidence Centres with equipment and facilities to assist in enforcement and prosecution of drunk drivers.
Adami said awareness on drink-driving issues will also be in the form of advertising campaigns.
October will also feature a series of educational and prevention initiatives by an NGO aimed at addressing FAS issues in the Western and Northern Cape, considered as problem areas.
”A new commercial code of good practice for working with trade partners and customers has also been launched, which will aim to drive more responsible trading practices [for example, not selling to minors].
”Significant attention has also gone to the company’s marketing practices which, working alongside existing initiatives, will include a new commitment to removal of billboard advertising from areas of high abuse,” said Adami.
Adami said although the company is ”unashamedly proud” of the fact that its business has a tangible economic impact on the South African economy and contribution to the fiscus, it is concerned at the way in which alcohol is being abused.
In formulating its strategy, SAB also expressed a commitment to championing co-regulation and normalisation of the liquor industry. — Sapa