Controlling the supply of alcohol to consumers effectively is crucial if we
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Reduce the availability of alcohol
want to manage alcohol and minimise its harm. This means supervising or setting prices – and regulating the distribution and retail of alcohol to limit/ guide/curb its availability. In South Africa alcohol is widely available and the sale of alcohol is poorly regulated. It was estimated in 2009 that more than 70% of alcohol sold by SAB reached consumers through the informal sector. This makes it difficult
Reduce the availability of alcohol.
to control who drinks, when they drink and how much they drink.
Curb availability Reducing the availability of alcohol limits opportunities to drink and limits the amount a person can drink on each drinking occasion. South Africa’s alcohol sales ban during the Covid-19 lockdown serves as an extreme example of limiting alcohol availability. The alcohol sales ban coincided with a notable decline in road traffic injuries and interpersonal violence as reflected in hospital and crime statistics. However, a complete sales ban can only ever be considered as a temporary measure. To achieve a sustained reduction of alcohol availability requires a coordinated approach: multiple interventions that all have a positive effect in reducing harm. Reducing alcohol availability reduces alcohol harm. The following key strategies are based on evidence collected around the world from a range of settings: Controlling who can buy and sell alcohol through a carefully regulated licensing system
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