SA needs more than ‘drink responsibly’ to tackle alcohol-related harm, says SAAPA

The Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance (SAAPA SA) in South Africa is calling for stronger measures to reduce alcohol-related harm, including tighter controls on pricing, advertising, availability, and enforcement. Ahead of the National Alcohol Summit scheduled from October 1 to 3 in Johannesburg, SAAPA SA emphasizes that awareness campaigns alone are insufficient and that robust policies are needed to address road deaths, violence, injuries, and harmful drinking among youth. Campaign director Nomcebo Dlamini highlights the importance of a public health approach with increased taxation, advertising restrictions, regulated trading hours, and tougher action against drink-driving.