South Africans Consume 4.5 Billion Litres of Alcohol

South Africa’s love affair with alcohol is evident in its staggering annual consumption of 4.5 billion litres of liquor in 2022. The National Treasury’s proposal to increase excise taxes on alcoholic beverages has sparked heated debate. While some see it as a necessary step to curb excessive drinking, traders argue it could boost illegal sales rather than achieve its intended goals.

Alcohol Consumption in South Africa: A Snapshot

South Africa’s alcohol consumption is massive, with beer leading the charge. In 2022, South Africans consumed approximately 3.1 billion litres of beer, 453 million litres of wine, and 153 million litres of spirits. Ready-to-drink products, such as premix brandy and colas, also showed remarkable growth, with consumption reaching 697 million litres. Gin, once overshadowed by whiskey, surged in popularity, with nearly 40 million litres consumed.

From 2013 to 2022, alcohol consumption in the country grew by 12.1%, with premixed drinks experiencing a 48.7% increase. Local beer remains dominant, with only a small fraction (127.2 million litres) coming from imports.

Proposed Tax Hike: Sin Tax in Focus

National Treasury’s proposal suggests increasing the excise tax rates across all alcohol categories. Currently, beer is taxed at 23%, wine at 11%, and spirits at 36%. The discussion paper proposes raising these to 28%, 16%, and 42%, respectively. This move, often referred to as a “sin tax,” is intended to reduce consumption and mitigate alcohol-related harm.

The University of Cape Town’s Research Unit on the Economics of Excisable Products (Reep) highlighted the societal costs of alcohol consumption, estimating the annual economic burden at R245 billion to R280 billion. These costs encompass healthcare, crime response, vehicle accidents, and social welfare.

Diverging Opinions on the Impact

While some researchers support the tax hike as a way to deter excessive drinking, industry experts and traders have voiced strong opposition. Marius Swart, Treatment Director at Eagles View Wellness Centre, believes the tax increase may drive consumers toward cheaper, potentially dangerous, illicit alcohol.

“The alcoholic will buy a cheaper brand or resort to illegal drinks, which can be fatal,” Swart noted.

The National Liquor Traders Council (NLTC) also criticized the proposal, with Convenor Lucky Ntimane warning it could devastate legal traders while benefiting illegal sellers.

“We vehemently oppose the proposals as they are akin to milking a dying cow. Raising taxes to fight alcohol abuse is an emotional response that lacks scientific grounding,” Ntimane stated.

The Risk of Illegal Trade

A significant concern is that higher taxes could fuel the illegal alcohol market, where products are sold untaxed and often at a lower price. Ntimane argued that this could undermine the government’s revenue goals and create an uneven playing field for legitimate businesses.

“If anything, this proposal is a welcome relief to illicit and counterfeit alcohol producers,” Ntimane said.

Balancing Public Health and Economic Realities

The Treasury’s tax proposal is part of a broader strategy to curb alcohol consumption, reduce its social costs, and increase government revenue. However, achieving a balance between public health objectives and the economic realities of the alcohol industry is proving contentious.

Stakeholders have until 14 February 2025 to submit their comments on the proposed tax changes, following an extension by the Treasury to encourage broader input.

The proposed excise tax hike on alcohol in South Africa has sparked a national debate on the best way to address alcohol abuse and its societal costs. While public health advocates see it as a necessary intervention, traders fear it will benefit illegal operators at the expense of legitimate businesses. The coming months will determine whether the Treasury’s proposal can strike a balance between reducing harm and maintaining a healthy, regulated alcohol industry.