Blog
Search

Blog

South Africa: Cabinet Approves Draft Bill Banning Alcohol Ads

Transit Report Cover

Carling Beer Billboard in South Africa

In a major step toward improving public health in South Africa, the cabinet has approved the Health Ministry's Control of Marketing of Alcohol Beverages Bill. The bill restricts alcohol advertising and sponsorships, reducing exposure to alcohol advertising and promotion and helping to reduce excessive alcohol consumption, particularly among youth. The alcohol industry is already gearing up for an epic fight against the ban, claiming it will hurt the economy, but alcohol-related deaths and injuries cost the country over R38 billion annually ($3.9 billion in U.S. dollars). South Africa's government has set an important example by putting its people's health and safety ahead of Big Alcohol's bottom line.  

Big Alcohol is the Big Beneficiary of CA Legislation in 2013

CA Legislation

Alcohol Justice identified a total of 23 bills and resolutions of interest during California’s 2013 Legislative session; a vast majority of which benefitted the alcohol industry. Of the 20 items that AJ opposed 14 ultimately passed. By contrast, of the 3 bills that AJ supported, 2 were signed into law with 1 being vetoed by the governor after passage by the legislature. The remaining bills failed to make it out of the legislature.


 

 

 

Utah Rep. Draxler's Beer Tax Inflation Bill to Fund Prevention Programs

Utah Beer Tax Erosion

The value of Utah's state beer excise tax has
eroded 24% since it was last raised in 2003.


Utah Rep. Jack Draxler (R-North Logan) has proposed to index the state's wholesale beer tax to inflation, using the additional revenue to fund programs to prevent underage and binge drinking. Utah's beer excise tax was last raised in 2003, and its real value has fallen 24% since then. Under Draxler's proposal, the average beer drinker in Utah would pay less than $0.30 more per year, but the tax adjustment would net an additional $530,000 to pay for prevention programs.


The bill needs the support of the Health and Human Services Interim Committee on October 16 in order to move forward.To view a list of representatives on the committee and send a letter of support, click here.