LISTEN: Call for tougher laws to curb underage drinking
The SA Alcohol Policy Alliance says stricter laws are needed to regulate the activities of liquor outlets and licence holders.
It's made the call ahead of Wednesday's mass funeral for 21 teenagers who died in the Enyobeni tavern tragedy in East London.
In his weekly newsletter to the nation this week, President Cyril Ramaphosa said he's concerned about underage drinking in the country.
The alliance's Maurice Smithers feels current liquor regulations aren't tough enough.
"Around operating the number of liquor outlets, where they are located, the age of drinking, advertising, the availability of cheap alcohol which makes it easier for everyone including children to drink."
READ: Enyobeni tavern tragedy: Mass funeral to be held for victims
"All of these are issues that need to be addressed, and they should have been addressed once the new liquor policy was adopted in 2016."
Smithers says underage drinking being normalised in society is an issue that needs to be taken very seriously.
He says communities need to know how they can raise objections to outlets acquiring liquor licenses in their neighbourhoods.
Listen below:
