‘Additional alcohol tax’ proposed to limit hospital admissions

Could raising the cost of liquor in South Africa help bring down the number of hospitalisations linked to consumption? Medical experts are proposing the introduction of a new ‘alcohol tax’, which would initiate a substantial increase in what we’d have to pay for our favourite boozy beverages.

A cohort of doctors and healthcare professionals have told the Sunday Times that the best way forward would involve removing extremely cheap options from the market, and issuing a blanket hike in prices for all forms of alcohol sales. Liquor stores, pubs, and restaurants would all have to play ball in this scenario.

Would South Africa benefit from an ‘additional alcohol tax’?

The average price of liquor in South Africa is comparatively lower than that of other countries. A pint of beer in the UK will set you back between R70 to R90, whereas you’re more likely to fork out R40 – R50 in Mzansi for the same volume. Dr. Ken Boffard, trauma director at Netcare’s Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg, presented his case to the media:

• – There is a clear link between alcohol availability and trauma admissions.
• – ‘Tougher laws’ on drink-driving would be needed to drive any meaningful change.
• – All additional revenue generated by a new ‘alcohol tax’ would, according to the doctor, go towards healthcare maintenance.
• – Boffard also acknowledged that the curfew played a ‘big role’ in reducing COVID-19 cases and trauma admissions.

Banning liquor ‘unsustainable’

The proposals were made the day after Cyril Ramaphosa revealed that South Africa was lifting its third alcohol ban. With falling infection rates and a drop in hospitalisations, the government eased lockdown measures, but stopped short of going into Alert Level 2. These phases of prohibition have a devastating impact on the economy, and can’t be relied upon forever.

The solution would be a compromise: Echoing sentiments raised by Cosatu last week (the union slammed ‘populist politicians’ punting permanent prohibition), Dr. Boffard and his colleagues are calling for a common-sense approach – and firmly believe that an additional alcohol tax would go a long way towards solving some of SA’s problems.