EVERYONE IS RESPONSIBLE TO FIGHT ALCOHOL ABUSE - SAPS PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER, PETER SHIVURI

EVERYONE IS RESPONSIBLE TO FIGHT ALCOHOL ABUSE - SAPS PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER, PETER SHIVURI

Both traders and law enforcers have a responsibility to fight alcohol abuse in communities. This was said by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Provincial Commissioner in the Northern Cape, Mr Peter Shivuri. He was speaking at the occasion of observing the 5^th annual International Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Day in Galeshewe, Kimberley yesterday. The event was organised by the department of Trade and Industry (the dti).

Shivuri said the state has a responsibility to put in place regulations to address challenges caused by liquor abuse and on other hand, traders have the responsibility to comply with the liquor regulations and educate their customers. This, he added, will assist in the fight against alcohol abuse in South Africa, and in the Northern Cape in particular, which remains high in prevalence.

“Alcohol abuse contributes to 80% of violent crimes and domestic violence and therefore it needs to be curbed. If traders were to work hand in hand with the structures of government, these harms caused by alcohol abuse would be ended,” said Shivuri.

The Chief Director of National Liquor Authority at the dti, Ms Prea Ramdhuny emphasised the importance of responsible traders, who she said would not sell liquor to pregnant women and under - aged people.

Ramdhuny further encouraged liquor traders to view the draft liquor policy which was published for public comments on 20 May 2015, as one that is encouraging expansion and growth of businesses in the liquor industry, and not meant to kill businesses.

“While citizens trade in liquor, they need to take into account that illegal trading and illegal manufacturing of liquor is killing the citizens, in particular youth and pregnant women. Awareness on the negative social and economic impact of liquor abuse does not only need collaborations between all concerned parties, but also the multi-disciplinary approach which is included on the draft liquor policy as a proposal,” she added.

According to Ramdhuny, the proposals include the amendment of section 9 of the Liquor Act to align with the control of marketing of alcoholic beverages Bill. She said the Bill called for restriction on advertising and prohibition of sponsorship and promotion.

“Another proposal is that of liquor premises being located at least 500 meters away from schools, places of worship, recreation facilities, rehabilitation or treatment centres, residential areas and public institutions. Government cannot win the battle of alcohol abuse and illegal trading alone, that is the reason why we targeted liquor traders for this event as they play a significant role in harm reduction,” added Ramdhuny.

The annual International Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Day is commemorated internationally to enhance awareness of the dangers of consuming alcohol while pregnant. The event is part of the dti’s Sobriety Campaign, whose purpose is to raise awareness on the high-risk behavioural activities related to alcohol abuse, and to encourage behavioural change by offering alternatives in the form of government services aimed at empowering communities, including women and children.     

The event was attended by community members, liquor traders, government officials and the Northern Cape Liquor Board amongst others.