Government considers raising drinking age to 21

18 March 2013

Government is considering raising the legal age to consume alcohol from 18 to 21, SAFM reported on Monday (18/03/2013).

It reported that Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said 10 government ministries were working on measures to reduce harm caused by alcohol consumption.

Another proposal was that motorists could not consume any alcohol before driving.

Addressing a World Health Organisation (WHO) meeting on risk factors for non-communicable diseases, held in Boksburg, Motsoaledi said other measures to be considered included a ban on alcohol advertising and a review of alcohol pricing.

He commended the Gauteng provincial government for the changes it intended making to alcohol laws in the province, which could include not selling alcohol on Sundays.

The WHO said four percent of all deaths globally could be attributed to alcohol.

Motsoaledi said there might be a fight over the changes, but government was prepared for it, the report concluded. - Sapa

Reader's Comments

Report Abuse Author: Rozanne Date: 19 March 2013 7:24

what an absolute waste of time and money. Nothing will stop the youngsters from drinking - why not rather consider shutting down illegal shebeens, or granting liquor licences indiscriminately. Half the kids go to clubs and bars where liquor is sold to currently under-age kids - so I ask with tears in my eyes, how is raising the "legal" drinking age going to change anything?

Report Abuse Author: Wayward Date: 18 March 2013 20:55

Far better for the future of this country to raise the voting age to 21.

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