Sacci rails against mooted liquor marketing restrictions

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

The SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry says restricting marketing on liquor will have a negative affect on the industry and the economy.

Sacci's Peggy Drotsky says restrictions on marketing will not only have negative consequences for an important South African industry, but will also have a ripple effect on businesses in other areas, such as the advertising, retail and hospitality industries.

"The elements of the Bill that were reported indicate a high degree of interventionism in the business environment. An increasingly restrictive business environment will contribute to reticence against doing business in South Africa," she said.

"The motivation given for the proposed ban is understood, but SACCI believes that it will not address the ills attributed to the misuse of alcohol. In fact, the Inter-Ministerial Committee is on record as admitting that global research has shown that a ban does not achieve the required results."

Sacci says "alcohol abuse is a symptom of more serious socio-economic and unemployment challenges that face the country. Alleviation of alcohol abuse will be achieved if these challenges are addressed."