The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have tabled a private member’s bill in Parliament that seeks to ban alcohol advertising and the use of liquor brand names, logos and sponsorships at public events.
Introducing the Liquor Amendment Bill in the National Assembly, EFF MP and Commissar Veronica Mente-Nkuna said the legislation aims to curb South Africa’s escalating public health crisis related to alcohol abuse and its “normalisation” in society.
“We live in a society where alcohol has been normalised and marketed as a lifestyle aspiration. Bright and attractive adverts target even young children, who grow up associating alcohol with success, sport and leisure,” the EFF claimed.
The party argues that liquor advertising glamorises drinking culture while concealing its real societal costs – gender-based violence, road fatalities, family breakdowns, and the strain on public healthcare systems.
Key Features of the Proposed Bill
- A complete ban on alcohol advertisements in all media formats
- Prohibition on the use of alcohol brand names, logos, or sponsorships at organised events, including sports and concerts
- Tougher legislative oversight of alcohol marketing aimed at vulnerable groups, particularly youth and children
The EFF accused liquor companies of evading accountability by hiding behind “slick advertising and irresponsible promotion,” while the social costs are borne by communities and the state.
“The true cost of alcohol abuse is carried by society as a whole,” the statement said.
Call for Urgency
The EFF has called on the Speaker of the National Assembly to urgently refer the bill to the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition, and urged lawmakers to fast-track its processing.
They are also rallying civil society, parents, educators, health professionals, and faith-based organisations to support the bill and submit public comments during the parliamentary process.
“Its provisions are straightforward, desperately needed, and cannot be subjected to unnecessary delays,” the party insisted.
CONTEXT
South Africa has long grappled with high levels of alcohol abuse, which have been linked to:
- Over 60% of road accidents
- A significant portion of gender-based violence incidents
- Widespread health complications
Previous attempts to implement similar advertising bans have stalled, mainly due to industry pushback and concerns over economic impact, particularly on the sports and events sectors, where alcohol sponsorship plays a major role.
The EFF says they will continue to push for its swift passage as part of their broader agenda to “restore dignity and stability to South African communities.”
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