Binge or ban alcohol? ‘Consider the consequences of your choice’
As the custodians of alcohol harm reduction in South Africa, the association urged South Africans to drink responsibly, not to binge-drink, and refrain from drinking and driving.
Since the ban on alcohol sales had been lifted, the Association for Alcohol Responsibility and Education (aware.org.za) urged 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,” said Ingrid Louw, CEO of aware.org.
The association encouraged the public to take into consideration that within the current context of Covid-19, there is a need to adopt a responsible lifestyle.
“It is imperative to continue practicing social distancing, wearing masks, respecting 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 association urged South Africans to drink responsibly, not to binge-drink, and refrain from drinking and driving. They also encouraged traders to trade responsibly.
She added that it is clear that reckless behaviour as well as the abuse and misuse of alcohol can lead to negative consequences that impact individuals, families, communities and South Africa as a whole.
“aware.org together with the liquor industry would like to heed the words of our President and government that we, as South Africans, take collective responsibility 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, we risk returning to a state of restriction and/or ban. We are urging South Africans 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.”
Louw explained that aware.org’s mandate is to redress the scourge of alcohol abuse effectively, 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 discouraging binge-drinking, but it also offers effective programmes that reduce harm in areas of underage drinking (UAD), Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), drinking and driving/ walking as well as responsible trade facilitation.
“Our success in curbing the spread of the virus rests with our ability to trade responsibly, practice responsible drinking, including practicing 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? Our drinking choices have more consequences than ever before.”
Follow @AwareOrg on Twitter and @aware.org.za on Instagram and Facebook using #INBTWN. You can also view the INBTWN campaign ‘Life Before Lockdown’ TV commercial on YouTube. For more information, visit https://aware.org.za/binge-drinking/.
