THE TRUE COST OF ALCoHOL

SAAPA ALCOHOL TAXATION POLICY CAMPAIGN

The True Cost of Alcohol is a national civil-society campaign to save lives, reduce harm and restore dignity through targeted alcohol tax reform. Alcohol taxation and pricing policies are among the most effective and cost-effective alcohol control measures.

MORE ABOUT THIS CAMPAIGN

SAAPA SA Joins Global Partners in Rio for GAPC 2026
SAAPA SA joins global partners at the RESET Alcohol Partner Meeting in Rio de Janeiro for GAPC 2026 to represent the True Cost of Alcohol.

SAAPA SA delivered in-depth strategies through panel discussions alongside partners from Brazil, Mexico, and the Philippines. Collaborative engagement with the RESET Alcohol team, a global initiative led by Vital Strategies and the World Health Organization, consolidated the technical expertise necessary to direct national and international policy frameworks.

The Global Alcohol Policy Conference (GAPC 2026) is the premier forum for alcohol policy architects. It serves as a strategic launchpad for global mobilization to ensure the socio-economic impact of alcohol is prioritized within the highest tiers of governmental and multilateral agendas.

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Update on the Liquor Amendment Bill [B21-2025]
Community Briefing Update
Liquor Amendment Bill [B21-2025]
13 March 2026

Dear Community Leaders,

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to strengthening our communities. Your leadership plays a vital role in driving meaningful change.

We would like to share an important update on the proposed Liquor Amendment Bill [B21-2025], which could have significant impacts on our communities.

Overview
Parliament is reviewing a proposed ban on alcohol advertising, promotions, and sponsorships, especially in sports and the arts, to reduce alcohol abuse, particularly among youth.

Government Perspectives
- Department of Health (DoH) – Supports the ban and believes advertising encourages youth drinking.
- DTIC – Cautious, stating that alcohol abuse is caused by multiple factors such as poverty and illegal markets.
- DSAC – Concerned that over R1 billion in sponsorship funding could be lost, affecting sports and the arts.
Key Drivers of Alcohol Harm
- High number of liquor outlets
- Illegal and unregulated taverns
- Socio-economic challenges
- Social and celebrity influence
The Debate
- Supporters argue that advertising shapes behaviour and should be restricted.
- Opponents argue that the issue is complex and requires broader solutions.
Implications
The bill may reduce alcohol exposure, but it could also impact funding for sports and the arts.

Next Steps
The committee is still reviewing evidence and calling for more South Africa-focused research before making a final decision.

Thank you once again for your ongoing support. We look forward to continuing this important conversation with you.

Should you want to watch the presentation, click here:
https://bit.ly/4sMrGJu

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Website: www.truecostofalcohol.africa

#TheTrueCostOfAlcohol
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Hundreds March on Parliament Demanding an Increase in Alcohol Tax
Hundreds of people marched to Parliament on Wednesday, demanding an increase in alcohol taxes.

Led by the Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance (SAAPA), the marchers included civil society organisations, community health workers, neighbourhood watch members and members of community policing forums.

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PARTNERS OF THIS CAMPAIGN

TRUE COST OF ALCoHOL

Leading the Fight for Health Over Harm 

Alcohol harm isn’t just a health issue, it’s a national crisis. Through stronger policies and higher taxes, we can save lives, protect communities, and build a healthier future.

The Problem
Alcohol harm is devastating South Africa, fueling violence, and stealing lives.
What We Are Advocating For
We’re pushing for targeted alcohol tax reform. Higher taxes, fewer harms, more lives saved.
Our Driving Force
This campaign is about justice, dignity, and putting people before profit.

THIS CAMPAIGN IS SUPPORTED BY THE RESET ALCOHOL INITIATIVE

Why This CAMPAIGN Matters for South Africa

WHY SHOULD YOU care?

Alcohol harm has a cost far beyond the bottle. It fuels violence, burdens hospitals, and steals potential from families and communities across South Africa. Yet, behind every statistic lies a story, of a life cut short, a family broken, a community left struggling. The True Cost of Alcohol campaign was created to confront this reality.

It’s a national movement led by civil society to save lives, reduce harm, and restore dignity through targeted alcohol tax reform. By raising prices and reducing easy access, we can slow consumption, prevent deaths, and shift the burden of alcohol harm away from the public and back onto the industry that profits from it.

Evidence shows that increasing alcohol excise taxes is one of the most effective and affordable ways to protect public health, reducing harm while generating revenue that can fund healthcare, education, and prevention. This campaign stands for a simple truth: when alcohol costs more, South Africa pays less.

Learn More About Alcohol in SA

Here’s the evidence driving the call for change - The numbers tell a story that’s too big to ignore - Here’s the evidence driving the call for change - The numbers tell a story that’s too big to ignore - Here’s the evidence driving the call for change - The numbers tell a story that’s too big to ignore - Here’s the evidence driving the call for change -