Higher alcohol outlet density, longer trading hours and widespread unlicensed
alcohol sales contribute to an increased risk of domestic
conflict and violence towards women and children.
This is among the key findings of a study investigating the link between alcohol
availability and gender-based violence (GBV). The study – a joint project by the
Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance (SAAPA) and the Wits School of Public
Health – was conducted across eight communities in South Africa, Lesotho,
Botswana and Namibia.
It found that unlicensed alcohol retailers in the study communities vastly
outnumbered licensed outlets, as only 33% of the outlets across the four countries
were licensed as captured in official records.
“National liquor databases, information in the public domain (searched using
Google), business registers and police records only delivered 348 licensed outlets,
while a field verification and information directly from the communities recorded a
total of 787 outlets,” says Aadielah Maker Diedericks, SAAPA’s secretary-general
and a lead researcher of the study.
Outlets often operated well beyond their licensed trading hours, with some,
particularly those in Botswana and Namibia, operating on a 24-hour basis. This
impacted on the quality of life of residents, leading, for example, to a lack of sleep and
increased risk of crime.
The study also found that non-compliance with licensing conditions and laws has
been normalised within the communities. Residents reported “limited inspections and
inconsistent application of trading hours restrictions”, while enforcement officials
cited resource constraints as one of the reasons for these shortcomings.
Among the recommendations put forward by the study is the need for greater
community participation in the awarding of licences. A serious obstacle to this is that
community members do not know what mechanisms are available to them for public
participation.
“We further recommended that the awarding of liquor licenses in residential areas
urgently be reviewed. Our research found that high concentrations of alcohol outlets
in and around residential areas corresponded to higher levels of GBV, crime and
family disruptions,” states Maker Diedericks.
The researchers also called for more effective enforcement through the adequate
allocation of human as well as financial resources.
“Targeted enforcement against unlicensed outlets is essential to reducing informal
alcohol availability.
“However, enforcement approaches should recognise the socio-economic drivers of
the informal trade, namely unemployment and limited livelihood options. Where
feasible, regulatory action should be accompanied by pathways for formalisation or
alternative livelihood support to avoid deepening economic precarity,” concluded the
study.
For media enquiries and interviews, or further information, please contact:
Abigail Calata | prhead@tishalacommunications.com
About SAAPA SA
The Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance South Africa (SAAPA SA) is a civil
society coalition advocating for evidence-based alcohol policies that reduce harm,
protect vulnerable populations and promote healthier communities across South
Africa. For more information, visit: https://truecostofalcohol.africa.