Bridging the gap on alcohol abuse
PARKVIEW – Former soccer players, motivational speakers, the Metro police and liquor company stakeholders held an annual meeting to discuss a way forward in curbing alcohol abuse.
The effects of alcohol are known the world over, however, it is still an unanswered question as to whether enough is being done to reduce its harmful effects.
The Gauteng Liquor Board (GLB) in partnership with Diageo SA hosted their annual men’s event in an attempt to bridge the gap on alcohol abuse.
The event was held at Zoo Lake, in Parkview, and aimed at creating awareness on the effects of the abuse of alcohol. The people who were in attendance, comprised men in the liquor industry, the Metro police and some sports players who shared their personal stories of experiences with alcohol as well as with other substances.
Chief director at the Gauteng Liquor Board, Raymond Martin said they took the initiative seriously as the topic affects everyone whether directly or indirectly.
“I yearn for a day when we all will toyi-toyi and call for service delivery in terms of alcohol abuse. The issue around drinking and driving is one we should address as ‘Gautengers’ while also paying attention to the one of drinking and walking. Young boys should be taught while growing up, that alcohol is a factor and we need to do something about it,” said Martin.
Chief of the Metro police, David Tembe reminded the attendants that in as much as drinking and driving are permitted in South Africa, the real problem arises when people go over the permitted limit which is two glasses. “Alcohol plays an important role in our social lives, however, if abused it plays a major part in the disruption of family units. About 14 000 people die on our roads every year and the number keeps increasing.”
He said he felt like the ‘don’t drink and drive’ slogan is outdated and rather a dialogue involving entertainment and liquor retail outlet owners needs to be conducted. Owner of Bafokeng Corner, an entertainment parlour in Soweto, Lehlohonolo Mofokeng said he was all for job creation and community development as 80 per cent of the staff he has comes from the community he grew up in. “I often experienced raids from the Metro police and I realised they were not there to shut us down but to help us comply.”
Director of Compliance and Enforcement, GLB, Mbongeni Shabangu said a lot more needs to be done and the board needs other law-enforcement agencies to be on board. “People trading in liquor must obtain a liquor licence first, to curb illegal trading of liquor. We have to conduct inspections and monitor compliance when people apply for the licences. For instance, how far your site is from a place of public service, because we cannot be having shebeens next to schools.”
In conclusion, Martin pleaded with the liquor sellers to cut out the amount of liquor supply this festive season, in as much as it is the most profitable time, otherwise, come January the country will be counting more bodies.
Details: Gauteng Liquor Board 011 085 2544
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