Liquor traders want government to put brakes on alcohol levy to fund Road Accident Fund
There is a clear link between alcohol consumption and road accident fatalities. Will 'hitting the pockets' of consumers save lives?
FILE: Alcholic beverages Picture: 123rf.com
Africa Melane speaks to Lucky Ntimane of National Liquor Traders.
Listen below:
Liquor traders are responding to an announcement by Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa that a levy could be added to the price of alcohol to fund the Road Accident Fund.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has revealed that there were more than 1,500 road deaths over the festive season and attributes 87% of the crashes to human behaviour, including drunk driving.
Hlengwa says a levy on alcohol has the potential to curb reckless driving by 'hitting the pockets' of alcohol consumers and, consequently, save lives.
Ntimane says liquor traders support the government's push to ensure a safe drinking culture. However, he says there is no silver bullet to encourage responsible drinking in South Africa.
"We encourage and caution leaders from making these kinds of propositions because we are a democratic country."
- Lucky Ntimane, National Liquor Traders
"When they make these types of suggestions, they've already made up their minds on what they want to do."
- Lucky Ntimane, National Liquor Traders
Ntimane likens the proposal to 'milking a dying cow'.
"If you look at the sector, every problem government has, we are targetted."
- Lucky Ntimane, National Liquor Traders
In releasing the festive road safety report, Creecy also revealed that 3,840 people had been arrested for driving under the influence.
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, following the release of the report, Hlengwa said there is a clear link between alcohol consumption and road accident fatalities.
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Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.