Liquor Disclaimer

1. Mandatory Warning Labels:

• Content:

  Labels must include one of seven prescribed health warning messages.
• Examples:

  Some common warnings include: “Don’t drink and drive,” “Alcohol abuse is dangerous to your health,” and “Drinking during pregnancy can be harmful to your unborn baby”.
• Purpose:

  These warnings are intended to highlight the risks of impaired driving, health problems, and harm to unborn children.
• Additional Messages:

  Labels also include a responsible drinking message stating “Not For Persons Under the Age of 18”.
• Commercial Communications:

  Advertisements for alcohol are restricted from making health claims or implying any health benefits from consumption. 

2. Key Messages and Regulations:

• Don’t Drink and Drive:

  A central message emphasizes the dangers of operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol. 
• Harm to Health:

  Warnings address the broader health risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption, including addiction and potential health issues. 
• Age Restriction:

  The legal drinking age in South Africa is 18, and this is reflected in the warning labels and advertising regulations. 
• Public Safety:

  Warnings also address the link between alcohol and violence, crime, and personal injury. 

3. Legal Framework:

• Liquor Products Act:

  The main legislation governing alcohol production, labeling, and distribution in South Africa. 
• Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB):

  The ARB also plays a role in regulating alcohol advertising and marketing communications. 
• Regulations:

  The Liquor Products Act provides for regulations to be made by the Minister, including those related to labeling and warnings. 

4. Specific Labeling Requirements:

• Warnings:

  The regulations mandate the use of 7 different health warning messages, which must be rotated on each product line within a 36-month cycle. 
• Outer Packaging:

  The definition of “container” in the regulations has been expanded to include outer packaging, such as boxes and packets. 
• Sulphites:

  If present in quantities greater than 10mg/l, sulphites must be listed on the label.