South Africa: Cabinet Approves Draft Bill Banning Alcohol Ads

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Carling Beer Billboard in South Africa

In a major step toward improving public health in South Africa, the cabinet has approved the Health Ministry's Control of Marketing of Alcohol Beverages Bill. The bill restricts alcohol advertising and sponsorships, reducing exposure to alcohol advertising and promotion and helping to reduce excessive alcohol consumption, particularly among youth. The alcohol industry is already gearing up for an epic fight against the ban, claiming it will hurt the economy, but alcohol-related deaths and injuries cost the country over R38 billion annually ($3.9 billion in U.S. dollars). South Africa's government has set an important example by putting its people's health and safety ahead of Big Alcohol's bottom line.