EC Liquor Board release stats on provincial drinking patterns

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

The Eastern Cape Liquor Board has released alarming findings of the socio-economic impact of alcohol abuse in the province.

Eastern Cape Liquor Board CEO Gonza Mati says the survey reveal that people in the Cacadu District area, at 34%, consume a greater volume of alcohol than any other area in the province.

The Nelson Mandela Municipality area follows at 33%, Chris Hani District (24%), Amathole District (22%), OR Tambo (20%) and Joe Gqabi District Municipality (20%).

Mati said however that these percentages must be viewed against the backdrop of the total population for each district.

"You may find that population figures are far lower in Alfred Nzo and higher in Nelson Mandela Metro, or any of the bigger areas,” said Mati.

Mati says 64% of people who imibibe drink to escape, not to socialise.

Mati however added the study found that the average probability of drinking is lower in the province compared to the national average.

“The study shows that South Africans who drink alcohol consume an inordinate amount, more than twice the global average” said Mati.

Mati said currently there are no scientific statistics which clearly indicate the prevalence of Alcohol Foetal Syndrome(AFS) in the province.

He said the EC Liquor Board is currently working with the Foundation for Alcohol Related Research to conduct a reliable study on AFS.

Mati concluded that the study had helped the board to know exactly which areas to target in their alcohol abuse awareness campaigns.