Alcohol crackdown - harsh proposals
2011-03-17 21:08
Durban - Delegates attending the 2nd biennial substance abuse summit on Thursday proposed harsh liquor policies which will put the squeeze on alcohol consumers, advertisers and people who sell alcohol, the national department of social development said.
The proposals included "increasing the criminal and administrative liability of individuals and institutions, bars, clubs, taverns, shebeens and restaurants that sell alcohol to underage drinkers, intoxicated patrons and patrons who they know are to operate motor vehicles," the department said in a statement.
Another proposal of the conference was to ban all sponsorships by the alcohol industry for sports.
President Jacob Zuma delivered the keynote address during the first day of the two day summit held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC in Durban.
The conference was attended by more than 600 delegates from government, community base organisation, non-government traditional leaders, liquor industry and community policing forums.
During the conference it was proposed that the legal age for purchasing alcohol be raised from 18 to 21.
The summit also suggested that the current legal alcohol limit for drivers should be further reduced to discourage drinking and driving.
Delegates at the summit suggested that public service should also set an example by ensuring that all public service functions were alcohol free.
Another proposal was to impose restrictions on the time and days of the week that alcohol could be legally sold.
- SAPA