The South African Cabinet has approved that a draft bill banning alcohol advertising should be gazetted for public comment.

“The intention of the bill is to reduce the exposure to the advertising and promotion of alcohol,” Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini said. “The harmful use of alcohol has significant negative impacts on individuals, families, communities, the economy and the country as a whole.”

The bill seeks to restrict the advertisement of alcoholic beverages, and sponsorship associated with alcoholic beverages.

“The tangible cost to the country of alcohol-related harm across government departments have been estimated at around R38 billion, while research indicates that the intangible costs could be as high as R240 billion.” said Dlamini, adding that the tangible cost was twice what government received from excise tax and Value Added Tax on alcohol combined. (Alcohol is the third leading risk factor for death and disability in the country and is responsible for around 130 deaths every day).