During a media discussion focused on the dangers of alcohol in communities, the alliance highlighted the worrying levels of alcohol accessibility to minors in SA.

SAAPA Secretary General Aadielah Maker-Diedericks said one of the most pressing challenges was the over-availability of alcohol in residential areas, which contributes to a culture that normalises alcohol consumption among young people.

“I think the key issue that we need to address in South Africa is that we have alcohol that is far too available for young people in communities where they live,” Maker-Diedericks said.

Using Khayelitsha as a striking example, she pointed to the disproportionate number of liquor outlets operating in some areas. “We have licensed outlets, but sometimes five, six, seven, even ten times the number of legal outlets in these communities. What that does is normalise alcohol. It makes it available for young people.”

She said that such availability not only increases the risk of underage drinking but also contributes to broader social issues, including school dropouts, violence, and health complications linked to alcohol abuse.

--SABC/ChannelAfrica--