28 Jul 2013

Alcohol traders should take responsibility on issues pertaining to alcohol misuse and abuse as their businesses have an effect in the society, Kgalagadi Breweries Limited (KBL) corporate affairs strategy manager, Mr John Kgomotso has said.

Speaking at a workshop meant to educate alcohol traders in the Tsabong catchment area about the part they should play in fighting alcohol abuse, Mr Kgomotso said KBL found it imperative to hatch the campaign as most business owners in the liquor industry chose not to take responsibility but root for profits.

“Social ills as a result of alcohol are rife and therefore fighting them should not be entirely placed on government shoulders”, he said. He reminded traders that they had a responsibility towards a drunken customer to the extent that they could limit their alcohol intake. 

“You should constantly monitor customers who drink at your business premises and urge your waiters to detect signs of excessive intoxication,” he warned. He also spoke against alcohol intake by expectant mothers arguing that research had shown that alcohol negatively affected normal growth of the foetus.

Mr Kgomotso warned liquor traders that the 45 per cent alcohol levy could be increased if alcoholism continued unabated and therefore businesses trading in alcohol should join the fight against abuse. ENDS