Drinking age to be raised to 21?

VEREENIGING. – The period for submissions into the draft National Liquor Policy Review closes on August 13, says the Department of Trade and Industry (dti).
Under the proposed new policy, the legal drinking age would be raised from 18 to 21 years. In addition, the department has also called for stricter controls when it comes to selling and buying alcohol. It says liquor is associated with a wide range of medical conditions, including cirrhosis and cancers of the tongue, mouth and throat, among other things. This is in addition to the physical and emotional harm caused by people under the influence of liquor. The draft policy review was published by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Rob Davies, on May 20 for public comments.
The dti said after having constructive consultation sessions with the South African Liquor Brandowners Association (SALBA) and South African Breweries (SAB), respectively on June 11 this year, it resolved to extend the period for submission of comments on the proposed amendments to the law. “This means stakeholders and interested parties now have until August 13 to submit their comments,” said a spokesperson for the dti. The draft policy review aims to address public policy concerns arising from alcohol abuse, the lack of transformation in the liquor industry, especially at production level, and coordination by government at all levels to improve regulation of the industry. Most local business people in the liquor industry don’t welcome the proposed changes to the liquor policy at all.
The general opinion is that the majority of licensed liquor premises will be illegal under the new policy. Several of the proposals are also seen as being illogical, unworkable and unenforceable. Read the editorial comment on page 6.
* The public is invited to submit written comments on the proposed National Liquor Policy (delivered by hand) not later than August 13 for attention of Ms Nkoe Ramphele, 77 Meintjies Street, Block B, 1st Floor, Sunnyside, Pretoria. You can also send a fax to (012) 394 6573 or email to NRamphele@thedti.gov.za.