SAB urges residents to consume responsible

South African Breweries (SAB) is urging consumers to not drink and drive this festive season.
As part of its efforts to ‘actively work on fostering a culture of responsible alcohol consumption in South Africa’, VP for Corporate Affairs at SAB, Zoleka Lisa said it believed smart drinking choices affected everyone everyday.
These were key to reducing the harmful effects of the misuse of alcohol.
The legal drinking limit in South Africa is a breath alcohol content of 0.24 milligrams per 1 000 millilitres or a blood alcohol count limit of 0.05mg per 100ml.
SAB has provided some tips to help consumers to enjoy their festive season and still stay safe:
1. Have an alternative plan to avoid drinking and driving
It is always a good idea to have a designated driver for both day and night – make sure this person does not plan on consuming alcohol. Alternative arrangements such as an Uber or other transport services are also a good idea.
2. Make sure you have enough money
On your night out, make sure you have sufficient money and plan for your drinks and eats, as well as a little extra for a taxi ride home.
3. Ensure you have a charged cell phone
A fully charged or close to fully charged phone when going out is an essential. This makes it easy to contact a taxi service or call someone you trust to give you a ride home. It is also safer to download an app for a taxi service.
4. Alternate beers with non-alcoholic drinks
Alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks allows you to have a lower intake of alcohol over a longer period of time. This allows your body to break down alcohol at a steady rate, which means there would be less accumulation of alcohol in your blood. You can reduce the effects of alcohol by drinking water and cold drinks, which will enable you to
socialise for longer. Non-alcoholic beers can help you to pace yourself and not over-indulge.
5. Ensure you enjoy a meal or snack
When you eat foods high in protein before you start drinking, it can help to lower your blood alcohol level.
6. Be a considerate host
Cater for all your guests, including the ones who are not consuming alcohol. Have a variety of non-alcoholic beverages at your party.
7. Take care of your friends
Always ensure you don’t leave your drink unattended or accept a drink from a stranger, and keep a close eye on those partying with you.
In conclusion, SAB encouraged residents to enjoy the holiday season and called on everyone to make responsible decisions. 

How to calculate units of alcohol:
The formula is: multiply the volume of the drink (in mm) by its percentage alcohol by volume (ABV) and divide by 1 000, to determine the number of units of alcohol in the drink.
For example:
350ml x 5% ABV divided by 1 000 = 1,75 units of alcohol
At 1,75 units of alcohol, consumers can drink one 350ml bottle every two hours to remain within the legal driving limit.

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