21 Aug 2018

The alcohol industry stakeholders have been encouraged to attend the ongoing anti-alcohol campaign review consultations.

Consultations, which are currently underway across the country, will among other things determine the overall impact of the national campaign to reduce alcohol-related harm in the country.

South East District Commissioner Mr Ian Tema made the call when addressing the District Development Committee meeting in Ramotswa on August 20.

He said the alcohol campaign review consultations team would be in the South East District and was scheduled to be in Otse on Friday (August 24), Mogobane on Monday (August 27) and Ramotswa on Wednesday (August 29), where it would hold public hearings and consult with relevant stakeholders.

Mr Tema said the public consultations followed the government’s decision to conduct a comprehensive review of the anti-alcohol campaign and interventions such as the alcohol levy.

He said the meetings were open to the public and all those interested, whether affected, consumers or in the business of alcohol were free to attend and express their views on the subject.

Among those also targeted by the public hearings are law enforcement, health professionals, religious and faith based leadership, parents and teachers associations, teachers, the alcohol industry and other key stakeholders, he said.

Mr Tema told the meeting that the anti-alcohol campaign review consultations also sought to undertake an assessment of the economic and other related impact of the alcohol levy along with the alcohol regulatory changes.

He informed the District Development Committee meeting that Taung village, which was not initially included in the visitation schedule, had requested to be consulted and said the alcohol campaign review team would look into their request. ENDS