SAB concerned about the rapid growth of underage drinking
A survey conducted by HDI Youth Marketeers at various high schools has shown that 15% of teenage boys and 8% of teenage girls had their first drink at the age of 13.
South African brewers (SAB) have called on all traders, other brewers, and consumers to work together to stop the rapid growth of underage drinking. They believe everyone has a responsibility to stop this. According to a statement, they issued last week, underage drinking remains a big problem for our communities affecting our country’s most vulnerable demographics.
A survey conducted by HDI Youth Marketeers at various high schools has shown that 15% of teenage boys and 8% of teenage girls had their first drink at the age of 13.
“Alcohol is still the most commonly abused substance among the youth. It is estimated that around 49% of learners have consumed alcohol at some stage during their high school tenure,” said Heidi Bartis, SAB’s Director of Communities.
Underage drinking has negative side effects on the development of the brain for persons under the age of 25 and this can also result in bad mental health.
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“As SAB we have included the ongoing fight against underage drinking into our smart drinking goals, which aims to measurably shift social norms and behaviours towards smart drinking. This is demonstrated in our #RESPONSIBLETOGETHER initiative which we hope will create more awareness around South Africans attitude towards the consumption of alcohol,” said Bartis.
One of the safeguards that have been implemented is an ID verification toolkit. The toolkit was designed by SAB as a member of the Association for Alcohol Responsibility and Education.
It was created to demonstrate visible and voluntary compliance by South African retailers by not selling alcohol to underage individuals, and to alert the traders, retailers, legal consumers, and related parties of the law that applies in this regard.
“We are very proud of the work that we have been doing to discourage underage drinking, but we know that our involvement is not enough,” added Baris.
The most known implementation they have made is the “No under 18” logo which can be seen on alcohol television adverts, posters, and print adverts.
“Parents can make a massive difference by taking time to educate their children on the hazards of underage drinking, and communities can stand together to ensure that our children receive the right message about responsible alcohol consumption,” Baris concluded.
Everyone in our communities needs to be vigilant and report instances where alcohol is sold or made available to minors.
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