THE Self-Regulating Alcohol Industry Forum (SAIF), a platform created by producers and distributors of alcoholic beverages, has expressed concern about the irresponsible use of alcohol, particularly at shebeens.
‘It is very disturbing to receive reports of violence and crime being committed at shebeens, with alcohol consumption being cited as an excuse for unacceptable behaviour.
‘While most people drink responsibly, those individuals who don’t apply self-control spoil what was supposed to be a good social occasion, for everyone,’ said SAIF chairperson Patricia Hoeksema in a statement on Friday.
She said the producers and distributors of alcohol support responsible conduct in the alcohol industry and encourage shebeen owners not only to comply with the provisions of the Liquor Act but also to ensure that their establishments conform to good health and safety standards.
The SAIF said it provides training to shebeen owners on responsible drinking but has realised that more needs to be done to address problems experienced at shebeens.
The forum claimed that only four per cent of summons issued during the holiday season’s Xupifa Eemwenyo road-safety campaign were for drunk driving.
‘This demonstrates how the co-operation of all stakeholders has created greater awareness amongst road users that drinking and driving is unacceptable – so I am confident we can do the same when it comes to the shebeen issue,’ said Japie Coetzee, former chairperson of SAIF.
The Self-Regulating Alcohol Industry Forum was established in February 2007 by several producers and distributors of alcohol.
The main objective is to ensure effective self-regulation by the industry through adherence to strict codes of conduct and engaging in programmes aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm.
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