SWAHA calls for ban on alcohol advertisements

THE HINDU non-profit organisation SWAHA is calling for legislation making drinking and driving illegal and a ban on advertisements of alcohol in the print and electronic media. It also said warnings regarding the addictive nature of alcohol should be printed on containers of all alcoholic beverages. In the January issue of its newsletter, SWAHA’s Dharma Mandal said the Carnival period was a time when there is a “quantum leap” in the number of fetes and consumption of alcohol. He said this resulted in an increasing number of people driving under the influence of alcohol. Mandal said coupled with the increasing number of vehicles on the road, the tendency to engage in reckless driving became more pronounced.

Mandal said preservation of life and limb depended on consistent action by the police. “This should take the form of regular and random testing of drivers to ensure they maintain the legal requirement regarding their blood alcohol level.” He said measures should be implemented to ensure offenders fully comprehend the gravity of the offence and further repeat offenders are banned from driving for a specific period of time. Mandal said enforcement is “absolutely necessary” for this system to work. He said a computerised database of all permit-holders and their status is required, so when a person is debarred from driving, a quick check can be made. Mandal said such a system would provide necessary support infrastructure needed by the police. In TT, drinking and driving is prevalent although it is illegal in many other countries. Mandal said necessary legislation should be introduced to make drinking while driving an offence.

“A consequence of this would be that the transport of alcohol is confined to sealed containers.” SWAHA is appealing for a concerted effort aimed at educating the public, especially the young, about the dangers of alcohol use and abuse. Mandal said an increasing number of students are not only drinking, but binge drinking. “Many studies have shown the link between alcohol usage and drug usage. Tackling the drug problem requires, as a first step, the resolution of the alcohol problem. Religious organisations, community groups and parents must endorse this education effort.” He said action must now be taken to stop further carnage on the roads.