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ACDP calls for stricter regulations on advertising of alcohol -
* link between alcohol advertising and the drinking habits of young people raise concerns.

"While ACDP does not take issue with moderate, responsible drinking of alcohol, we take note of a report on liquor advertising and its effects in Britain by Professor Gerald Hastings, director of the British Institute of Social Marketing.

His findings are that there is a definite link between alcohol advertising and the drinking habits of young people and on that basis he concluded that alcohol advertising should be banned.

Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) causes horrific damage to people, from mild behavioural and learning problems to physical and central nervous system abnormalities, head and face malformation, growth retardation, organ malfunction and nervous system abnormalities including the heart, external genital organs and joints causing specialist gynaecologists to say it is advisable for women to stop all alcohol once they discover they are pregnant. South Africa has the highest rate of Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in the world which obviously affects largely younger drinkers.

Abuse of alcohol is also a major cause of domestic violence and violent crime which is the scourge of our nation.

For these reasons and in the light of Professor Gerald Hasting's research, the ACDP shall be calling in Parliament for stricter and better enforced regulations on the advertising of alcohol in South Africa especially where young people are vulnerable."