Tackle alcohol related crime head on

According to Garth Strachan, the previous Provincial MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, alcohol abuse in Cape Town has reached a “crisis” point.

On average, 60% of all Cape Town homicides are alcohol-related, and six out of ten drivers who die in car accidents have “dangerously high” alcohol levels in their blood.

The City of Cape Town By-Law on Liquor Trading Days and Hours 2010 will not solve the problem of drunk driving or other crimes associated with alcohol.

People who abuse drugs will adapt to the changed hours and buy their liquor when the stores are open.

A more direct action to tackle alcohol abuse is to provide those who abuse alcohol with education and support in order to overcome their addiction.

The City of Cape Town provides a free 24/7 help line, 0800 HELP 4 U (0800 435 748), which connects the caller to an operator who can transfer the call to various organizations according to the caller’s specific needs.

The city is currently compiling a database of alcohol-related service providers and organizations in order to better assist those who seek help. The city has asked community members who are involved in a service to register at www.capetown.gov.za.

There is also the issue of reducing illegal alcohol trade. According to Taki Amira, chairperson of the Liquor Policy Task Team, “The City of Cape Town has a task team which has been requested to lead the sub-committee formed by the Provincial Task team in looking at solutions to assist enterprises in the informal liquor trade become licensed and thus take their place in the formal economy.”

In effect, if a task team is set in place to help illegal liquor traders obtain legal licenses, the illegal trade of alcohol will decrease substantially.

The community must put pressure on the task team to deliver on this pledge. Legalizing previously illegal trading points will not only improve community safety but also will allow those who are currently selling alcohol illegally to keep their jobs.

Contact your local councillor to have your opinion heard via Councillors Online at www.capetown.gov.za.