Government adopts measures to combat alcohol abuse

source: Republic of Botswana (20/9/08): TAUTONA TIMES no 28 of 2008
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President "Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"

C1) 19/9/08: "Government adopts measures to combat alcohol abuse"

With reference to the above, please find below an electronic copy in plain text of a Press Statement issued today by the Ministry of Trade and Industry:

Members of the public are informed that Government has accepted measures proposed by the Botswana Confederation of Commence, Industry and Manpower (BOCCIM) to address concerns related to excessive alcohol consumption in Botswana.

These measures include the adoption of a National Policy on Alcohol, public education campaigns on the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption, and stiffer penalties for alcohol related offences, as well as the monitoring of the implementation of the programmes.

In addition, Government has decided to introduce a 30% levy on all alcoholic beverages consumed in Botswana as from October 1st 2008. The levy will be used to support, among other things, the funding of public education and rehabilitation programmes, as well as law enforcement measures to combat alcohol abuse.

The effectiveness of the measures introduced to combat alcohol abuse will be reviewed after six months. If there is no visible improvement, Government will consider introducing additional measures, including the possibility of increasing the levy. In this respect, an implementation committee consisting of relevant stakeholders will be appointed.

This final decision forms part of an overall strategy to combat the adverse effects of excessive alcohol consumption in Botswana.

The Government strategy to prevent and reduce alcohol abuse is also consistent with the World Health Organisation's "Strategies to reduce the harmful use of alcohol" as adopted by the 61st World Health Assembly on May 24th 2008.

Government appeals to liquor industry stakeholders and the public at large to support the implementation of these measures for the promotion of responsible and healthy living in Botswana.