EFF tables bill to ban alcohol advertising and sponsorships

CAPE TOWN — (date not provided)

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has introduced a bill to completely ban alcohol advertising and public sponsorships, seeking to tackle alcohol abuse’s societal impacts.

EFF MP Veronica Mente-Nkuna presented the Liquor Amendment Bill in Parliament. The party stated the legislation addresses South Africa’s public health crisis and the “normalisation” of alcohol in society.

The EFF claimed: “We live in a society where alcohol has been normalised and marketed as a lifestyle aspiration. Bright and attractive adverts target even young children, who grow up associating alcohol with success, sport and leisure,” (EFF statement).

The proposed bill includes a full ban on alcohol ads in all media. It prohibits using alcohol brands or sponsorships at public events including sports and concerts. It also imposes stricter oversight of marketing targeting youth and children.

According to the party, alcohol advertising hides societal costs like gender-based violence, road deaths and strained healthcare. The EFF stated: “The true cost of alcohol abuse is carried by society as a whole,” while accusing liquor companies of evading accountability through “slick advertising and irresponsible promotion.” (EFF statement).

The party pushed for urgent parliamentary processing, asking the Speaker to fast-track it to the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition. It called for public support from civil society, health professionals and faith groups.

“Its provisions are straightforward, desperately needed, and cannot be subjected to unnecessary delays,” the EFF insisted (EFF statement).

Earlier attempts at similar bans faced industry resistance over economic impacts, particularly on sports sponsorships. The EFF vowed to pursue the bill as part of its community “dignity and stability” agenda.