Abdullah Saeed, : According to news reports, the City of Cape Town's new liquor by-law, which regulates alcohol trading hours, officially came into effect at midnight on New Year's Eve.
One of the reasons cited for the amendments to the city's liquor trading by-law is to fight the scourge of alcohol abuse.
Drinking alcohol is destructive and harmful and the effects of its consumption are similar to those of cocaine, mandrax, marijuana and other illegal drugs.
An article quoting police crime statistics released earlier this year showed the link between assault with the intention to inflict grievous bodily harm and common assault, and alcohol and drug use.
So, may I ask what benefit drinking alcohol has that justifies its continued intake despite all the serious medical problems, injury, suffering, pain, loss and damage it causes and aggravates?
Furthermore, there is solid evidence that alcohol plays a huge role in car accidents which many times result in serious injury and deaths. Also, social ills, health problems and a host of other troubles are worsened by alcohol use.
I feel that in an attempt to save lives, for the greater good and for preserving the family unit, the production and sale of alcohol must be completely banned in our country.
I support the idea of a ban on alcohol advertising.
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.