The ARA’s mission is to reduce alcohol-related harm through combating the misuse and abuse of alcohol beverages and promoting only their responsible use.
Welcome to ARA - A Positive Force in South African Society
For over 5,000 years, people have consumed various forms of beverage alcohol as accompaniment to a variety of social activities. Around the world, alcohol beverages are enjoyed every day by adults as an ordinary part of life and the consumption of alcohol beverages responsibly and in moderation by those not at risk can be compatible with a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Most people who drink alcohol beverages do so moderately and responsibly. Only a minority of drinkers misuse or abuse alcohol and cause problems for themselves or others.
For nearly as long as people have enjoyed alcohol beverages, governments have sought to regulate them and alcohol beverage producers fully acknowledge that their products should be regulated. Alcohol beverages are intended for adult enjoyment, and should only be consumed by people above the legal drinking age who are not at risk.
People should refrain from engaging in certain activities when they have been drinking. No one should ever drive while intoxicated, serve alcohol to intoxicated persons, or violate any other law or regulation concerning alcohol beverage products. We fully support vigorous enforcement of these laws and regulations.
Responsible drinking may be defined as the enjoyable consumption of alcohol beverages within the limits set by your health, circumstances and your obligations to family, friends and society.
Irresponsible drinking on the other hand is drinking beyond those limits and placing yourself and those around you at risk.
The appropriate and safe use of any substance depends on the user's quality of consciousness and ability to make responsible decisions. This in turn is dependant on a host of factors including the availability of information and the prevailing norms of society.
History has shown that population-based approaches to promote temperance generally – such as increased taxes, bans on sales and advertising, and prohibition – will not stop that minority of people who engage in problem drinking or alcohol abuse.
In our view, no single action is likely to reduce alcohol problems and a mix of self-regulation, enforcement of existing laws governing sale and consumption, and targeted interventions, combined with individuals taking personal responsibility for their drinking choices, is the most appropriate response.