Alcohol business forum against abuse

THE outgoing chairperson of the Self-regulating Alcohol Industry Forum of Namibia, Celeste Carstens, has commended efforts by the forum’s members on regulating alcohol especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

At an annual general meeting of the forum on 24 September, Carstens also urged alcohol producers and distributors who are not yet members of the forum to consider joining the organisation.

The Self-regulating Alcohol Industry Forum (SAIF) consists of almost all major alcohol producers and distributors of alcohol beverages in Namibia.

“The industry acknowledges that the abuse of alcohol has an impact on society, and as such will continue to engage government and other stakeholders to find workable solutions that will support the fight against alcohol abuse,” says Carstens.

Various targeted interventions and initiatives aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm such as underage drinking and driving under the influence, including educating the public by engaging in public dialogue programmes, have been taken by the SAIF.

“The fight against alcohol abuse will require continuous interventions and an inclusive approach from all stakeholders going forward,” Carstens said.

SAIF office-bearers appointed at the meeting are Marco Wenk of Namibia Breweries Limited as chairperson, Ramona Wittsack of Distell Namibia (vice chairperson), Chrisilda Botes of Distell Namibia (treasurer) and Cornell Furter of NBL (organisational secretary).

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