💨 Abstract

During the festive season, South Africans' daily alcohol spending triples to over R1 billion, up from the usual R400 million. Advocacy groups like Rethink Your Drink criticize aggressive advertising and bulk-buying deals for encouraging excessive consumption. The economic benefits are overshadowed by significant public costs, including healthcare and policing for alcohol-related harm, which accounts for 10-12% of South Africa's GDP.

Courtesy: Shyleen Choruma