Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

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Thursday, October 9, 2008

Opinion - Alcohol economics and politics: the case for policy activism

An extra-ordinary public debate has been unleashed by the policy activism of the current national political leadership towards dealing with the challenges of alcohol abuse in the country.

Many perspectives are being offered with multivalent arguments coloured by economic, health, political, cultural and moral world views. As the debate rages and gains momentum, it is critical that the lessons on both democratic intentions and processes are learned.

Let me state at the outset that it is the responsibility of every accountable Government to seek strategic interventions to solving what cannot simply be brushed aside as matters of personal choice. Alcohol is not simply another economic commodity whose trade should be left to forces of supply and demand in a free market playground, it is destructive and addictive.

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