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A TOAST
The Eastern Cape provincial government and Liquor Board says the fight against underage alcohol consumption requires a collaborative approach between community members, schools and liquor traders.
This was addressed during the provincial underage drinking summit hosted by the the Eastern Cape Liquor Board and the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism in East London in the Eastern Cape today.
Speaking at the summit Rhodes University, Researcher Professor Liezelle Jacobs says the impact of alcohol consumption in young minds is detrimental.
“The impact is gravely because alcohol is also a gateway drug to other more dangerous drugs because soon children find that they can mix alcohol, and mix other substances. So, that then becomes a poly substance abuse so then the problem becomes bigger,” says Jacobs.
She says the Eastern Cape has the highest number of underage drinking due to alcohol abuse in communities and accessibility of alcohol for minors.
While a large number of cases of alcohol sales to children remain unreported, the provincial liquor board says it has recorded more than 400 cases of this transgression in the past three years.
The splurging and flaunting of alcohol on social media and television media is blamed for instilling in children the idea that alcohol is a sign of success.
PE College Chairperson Luzuko Buku says there is a need for more publication of anti-alcohol consumption campaigns instead.
“The plea is for content creators to step up actions in showing the negative effects of alcohol consumption, not only for young people but adults too, the same way it is done in gambling and drugs. With alcohol it seems as if since it is legal there is a bit of tolerance,” says Buku.
MEC Pieters calls for unity and action against underage drinking
Today’s summit is a critical platform to confront the harsh reality of underage drinking in our communities.
“Let us not allow our children to live with regret. Let us help them to save themselves.” pic.twitter.com/yDEX7L7WwH
— DEDEAT_EC (@DEDEA_EC) June 28, 2025
