Lifting of Alcohol Ban asks South Africans to consider the consequences of their choices- binge or ban?

Aware.org urges South Africans to adhere to the government's COVID-19 guidelines and practice responsible alcohol consumption to ensure a better tomorrow.

Johannesburg, 19 August 2020– With the lifting of the alcohol ban as of 18 August 2020, the Association for Alcohol Responsibility and Education(aware.org.za) is urging South Africans to realise that their drinking choices have more consequences than ever before. Now more than ever it is crucial that those who consume alcohol practice a culture of moderation and responsible consumption.

In light of the lifting of the ban, aware.org encourages the public to take into consideration that with the current context of COVID-19, there is a need to adopt a responsible lifestyle. It is imperative to continue practising social distancing, wearing masks, respecting the government’s COVID-19 guidelines, and more importantly taking note of and adhering to the 10pm curfew put in place. As the custodians of alcohol harm reduction in South Africa, the organisation urges South Africans to drink responsibly, not to binge drink, refrain from drink and driving, and continues to encourage traders to trade responsibly.

It is clear that reckless behaviour as well as the abuse and misuse of alcohol can lead to negative consequences that impact not only the individual but families, communities and South Africans as a whole. Aware.org together with the liquor industry would like to heed the words of our President and government that we take collective responsibility, as South Africans, to move on with our lives both safely and responsibly. We must proceed with caution and conduct ourselves in respect of COVID-19 guidelines to ensure we will have a better tomorrow.

"It is without a doubt that if we do not adhere to the guidelines in place to protect each and every one of us that we risk returning to a state of restriction and/ ban. We are urging South Africans with the lifting of the alcohol ban to demonstrate our ability as a nation to be responsible and avoid irresponsible and risky behaviour. Do not binge drink, do not drink and drive, respect the rule of law and let us move forward in our social contract as citizens. What I do today can impact someone else tomorrow. Let us be cautious and keep each other safe, “says Ingrid Louw, CEO of aware.org.

Aware.org’s mandate is to effectively redress the scourge of alcohol abuse and promote healthy behavioural choices with regards to alcohol consumption. The organisation along with its industry partners demonstrates its commitment by continuing to support liquor traders with  effective education and awareness to assist them to trade responsibly whilst maintaining accepted hygiene practices to limit the spread of the virus and ensure the safety of their patrons and community.

The organisation does not only focus on binge drinking, but it also offers effective programmes that reduce harm in areas of Underage Drinking (UAD), Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Drink and Driving/Walking as well as Responsible Trade Facilitation.

"Our success in curbing the spread of the virus rests on our ability to trade responsibly, practice responsible drinking, including practising a culture of moderation and adhering to government lockdown restrictions and COVID-19 guidelines. Our behaviour determines our tomorrow. Is it binge or is it ban?" adds Louw.

Our drinking choices have more consequences than ever before.

#awareoftomorrow

#Tradeaware

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About aware.orgFirst launched as the Industry Association for Responsible Alcohol Use (ARA) in 1989, it was relaunched in 2017 as aware.org. The organisation is a registered non-profit, public benefit organisation (PBO). Its members include the leading manufacturers and retailers of alcoholic beverages in South Africa. The body’s aim is to reduce alcohol related harm by creating awareness and performing ongoing research, providing effective collaboration with its partners, and implementing strong stakeholder management. It operates both in the formal and informal sectors to ensure compliance with internationally recognised industry goals and good governance practice, engaging closely with affected communities to prevent Underage Drinking, Drinking and Walking, Binge Drinking, Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Responsible Trade Facilitation.

For Media Enquiries please contact:Lebogang SerapelwaneCommunications SpecialistEmail: lebogang@aware.org.za   Cell: 073 0634 607

For further information visit: www.aware.org.za