More than 30 000 alcohol outlets audited in Responsible Trading Programme

Aimed at tackling harmful alcohol use, The Responsible Trading Programme has been implemented by the South African Breweries (SAB) and other alcohol manufacturers.

The programme will address harmful alcohol consumption, responsible trading and compliance in mitigating Covid-19 transmission.

Approximately 32 000 outlets across the country will undergo an audit.

Kgosi Mogotsi, the Regional Corporate Affairs Director at SAB said: “It’s time that South African alcohol retailers lead by example. The Responsible Trading Programme (RTP) is the beginning of a new era for alcohol consumption country-wide. As SAB, we recognise the important role we play in ‘saving lives and livelihoods,’ by recognising and rewarding responsible outlets for serving as pillars within their communities.”

Mogotsi said the programme recognises alcohol traders and retailers for their efforts to encourage responsible drinking, as South Africa experiences the third wave of Covid-19 infections. Retailers will be assessed according to their level of compliance, which falls into three levels of certification, i.e. silver, gold and platinum.

“The programme is one of incentives and rewards. When taverns comply with the legal requirements of serving alcohol, they will be rewarded. When they do not comply, we will do everything we can to educate them on how to comply. We are conscious of the fact that while the RTP has been rolled out due to the pressures we’ve faced as a result of Covid-19, it is a necessary step towards a better, more accountable industry in the long run. We are honoured to play our role in supporting the initiative,” said Mogotsi.

Piloting the programme in taverns, these outlets will be audited to check for compliance against liquor license and Covid-19 regulations for silver certification.

Outlets that are certified silver will be visited and evaluated by mystery shoppers, who will test for compliance in refusing to sell to underage persons or to visibly intoxicated patrons. Silver certification audits have been initiated.

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