EFF Pushes For Alcohol Advertising Ban To Tackle South Africa’s Drinking Crisis

South Africa is no stranger to heated debates around alcohol. From its deep ties to social gatherings and sporting culture to the painful statistics around road deaths and gender-based violence, liquor has long carried a complicated legacy. Now, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) want to change the narrative by pushing for a complete ban on alcohol advertising.

What The EFF Is Proposing

The EFF recently introduced the Liquor Amendment Bill in Parliament, spearheaded by MP Veronica Mente-Nkuna. The proposed law would:

• Ban all alcohol advertisements across media platforms

• Prohibit liquor companies from using brand names, logos, or sponsorships at public events such as sports matches and concerts

• Introduce stricter oversight of marketing that targets children and young people

The party argues that alcohol is glamorised in South Africa through “bright and attractive adverts” that normalise drinking from an early age. By limiting exposure, the EFF believes communities will be better protected from the harmful effects of alcohol abuse.

Why The Bill Matters

The push comes at a time when alcohol-related harm continues to weigh heavily on the country. Studies show that:

• Over 60% of road accidents in South Africa involve alcohol

• A large proportion of gender-based violence cases are linked to alcohol use

• The healthcare system spends billions annually treating conditions tied to excessive drinking

The EFF insists the “true cost of alcohol abuse is carried by society” not the liquor industry profiting from sales.

Previous Battles Over Alcohol Regulation

This is not the first time alcohol advertising has come under fire. In the past, government proposals to restrict liquor marketing faced strong resistance from the alcohol industry and sporting bodies. Concerns largely revolved around the economic fallout for events, sponsorships, and advertising jobs.

Sports like rugby, cricket, and football all heavily reliant on liquor sponsorships could feel the pinch if such a ban is enforced.

What Happens Next

The EFF has urged the National Assembly to fast-track the bill, calling on civil society, health professionals, and faith-based groups to support the process. They want it referred urgently to the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition for consideration.

Whether this bill gains traction or stalls like previous attempts remains to be seen. What is clear, though, is that the battle over alcohol in South Africa is far from finished.

Source:The South African 

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