Saving Africa from Alcohol

Many areas of Africa are going through some changes right now in their views of alcohol. Some countries are proposing to more strictly regulate the sale of alcohol, while others plan to put stiff regulations on alcohol advertising.

Analysis of World Health Organization

South Africa is concerned about violence that is directly caused by excessive drinking. To help combat this, South African officials have enlisted the help of the World Health Organization (WHO) to lay out a plan to regulate alcohol in the country. In their report entitled “Monitoring Alcohol Marketing for Africa – MAMPA”, the WHO agreed that “there is no time to waste, since the alcohol industry is already present in Africa on a large scale and is actively strengthening their position in the African market to increase the annual level of alcohol consumption in the continent”. (1) At the 2011 Second Biennial Substance Abuse Summit, delegates targeted a few areas that Africa can more closely regulate in order to decrease the harmful effects of alcohol. They looked at ways to restrict access to alcohol through regulating sales, marketing, taxation, and restrictions of the substance.

Banning Alcohol Advertising

The result of this analysis by the WHO will be stricter laws for South Africans, greater penalties for underage drinking and for drinking and driving, and the ban of alcohol ads in certain arenas, such as in all sports, recreation, and arts and culture related events. Ads that are permitted in other venues must not imply that alcohol “can contribute to an individual’s popularity” or that it “is a key component of social success” or that it “is linked to daring, toughness, or aggression.” (1)

Closing Bars

Officials in Kenya are particularly afraid of the impact alcohol is having on their youth. They are moving ahead with bold steps to regulate alcohol consumption among their citizens. The government has announced that it will close at least 30% of all alcohol outlets across the country. Bars that are to be shut down include those near schools and hospitals. Those that are allowed to remain open will have to adhere to strict laws and pay levies toward governmental rehabilitation of alcoholics.

While many other countries throughout the world, including France, Norway, and the United States, have considered regulating the advertising of alcohol at specific events such as college sports, many people are concerned about the manner in which African countries are combating alcohol abuse. There is great concern that alcohol will be sold on the black market and that they will be driving those with an alcohol problem underground. Others are concerned about the number of jobs that will be lost with less advertising and fewer bars. The governments are certain about their plans, though. As Kenya’s Internal Security PS Francis Kimemia said, “The move is unstoppable and is aimed at reverting the drinking culture of death among the targeted youth so that they can embrace personal economic empowerment.” (2)