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Aware.org.za is urging South Africans to realise that their drinking choices have more consequences than ever before. Now more than ever it is crucial that those who consume alcohol practice a culture of moderation and responsible consumption.
With the lifting of the ban, aware.org.za encourages the public to take into consideration that with the current context of COVID-19, it is time to adopt a responsible social lifestyle. It is imperative to continue practising social distancing, wearing masks, respecting the government’s COVID-19 guidelines, and more importantly taking note of and adhering to the 10pm curfew put in place.
It is clear that reckless behaviour as well as the abuse and misuse of alcohol can lead to negative consequences that impact not only the individual but families, communities and South Africans as a whole. Aware.org.za together with the liquor industry would like to heed the words of our President and government that we take collective responsibility, as South Africans, to move on with our lives both safely and responsibly.
"We must adhere to the guidelines in place to protect each and every one of us. It is perhaps a pity that it has taken a world-wide pandemic for people to sit-up and pay attention. As the custodians of alcohol harm reduction in South Africa, we are urging South Africans especially with the lifting of the alcohol ban to demonstrate our ability as a nation to be responsible and avoid irresponsible and risky behaviour. Do not binge drink, do not drink and drive, respect the rule of law, trade responsibly and let us move forward in our social contract as citizens. What I do today can impact someone else’s tomorrow. Let us be cautious and keep each other safe,” says Ingrid Louw, CEO of aware.org.za.
"Alcohol-related harm is a stark reality in our country and requires not only a collective consciousness around the issue but a serious drive to develop a culture of alcohol harm reduction and responsible drinking in South Africa which requires active education, awareness and on-the-ground interventions as is the mandate of aware.org.za. Our drinking behaviour determines our tomorrow. Alcohol is not the problem is it is how we use it that is the problem," adds Louw.
This post and content is sponsored, written and provided by Aware.org.za
