14 Jul 2011 Survey finds strong support to increase legal drinking age to 21

Two-thirds of South Africans polled in Synovate’s latest survey believe that increasing the legal drinking age to 21 will be effective in decreasing both underage drinking and alcohol abuse. Synovate conducted the survey in response to the proposal by Social Development Minister, Bathabile Dlamini, in March 2011. Alcohol ranks third in the country’s burden of disease and disability.

These results are based on Synovate’s poll of 500 respondents in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town. The survey was conducted using an intercept face-to-face methodology.

“The results of the survey demonstrate public concern around alcohol abuse and support for government’s current and proposed actions against it,” states Jake Orpen, MD of Synovate.

Of the 500 respondents interviewed, 56% had heard about the proposal, with 44% unaware that the legal drinking age was being reconsidered. Two-thirds believe that the proposal will decrease both alcohol abuse and underage drinking. The majority of respondents also believe that drunken driving and violent behaviour/domestic abuse could also be reduced if the law is passed (64% and 62% respectively).

Interestingly, those aged between 21 and 24 years of age were most confident that the proposed law would cut down on underage drinking in South Africa, while respondents aged between 18 and 20 were least convinced.

Underage drinking is problem

Nine out of 10 respondents agree that underage drinking is a problem in our country, with only 9% disagreeing. This perception is present across all age groups. Sixty-one percent claim to have been exposed to underage drinking, with the greatest exposure coming from the older age groups, ie, 25–34, and 50 years and over.

In the effort to combat underage drinking, 95% believe that schools should be more vigilant and notify parents when students display behaviour indicative of drinking. Looking at parents’ drinking behaviour, 87% believe that parents should not leave alcohol where children can find it, and 81% of South Africans are of the opinion that parents should not drink in the presence of their children. Seventy-eight percent of respondents maintain that it’s government’s responsibility to protect children from this social disease.

How much do South Africans drink?

A positive result arising from the survey is that one-third of respondents surveyed indicated that they do not drink at all, states Orpen. Seventeen percent stated they drink 2-3 times per week, and 16% reported that they drink once a week. On average, males are much more frequent drinkers than females.

Of those who do drink, the average number of drinks per occasion is five. “This is quite a high number when you compare it to the legal limit of 0.05 when driving, which is one or two drinks,” says Orpen.

A third of respondents drink between three and four drinks on each occasion, and 27% state that they drink five to six drinks per occasion.

Drinking and driving

Undoubtedly, a significant problem in South Africa is that of drinking and driving. Alcohol has been cited as a factor in 29% of driver injuries and more than 47% of driver deaths.

Thirty-four percent of respondents indicated that they or their friends had driven drunk before, and with the same percentage stating that they/their friends do not believe that drinking impairs one’s ability to drive. Seven percent of respondents have been breathalysed after having one or more drinks.

“Obviously, this is of grave concern to the South African public, and it is clear that this is a priority among the traffic authorities judging from their heavy presence on the roads in recent months,” states Orpen.

While a significant proportion of South Africans admit to have driven drunk before, it is reassuring to note that they do consider alternative solutions with regards to driving and drinking. Seventy-two percent of those surveyed state that they organise a designated driver to transport them home after drinking. Sixty-five percent state that they would use a taxi service after drinking if they were more affordable, and 60% state that they would use buses if they were available late at night.

War against alcohol abuse

In the war against alcohol abuse, drunken driving and underage drinking, 92% of respondents believe that more serious consequences/stricter penalties would have a greater effect than banning advertising or prohibiting alcohol at sports matches or concerts.

Consequences such as stricter penalties for drinking-related offences and increased roadblocks were popular, with 92% and 89% of respondents respectively. Banning of alcohol advertising was favoured by 65% of those polled.

Source: Synovate