Table 1 Overview of alcohol and diet-related NCD prevention policy non-decisions in South Africa

Ban on marketing of unhealthy food and non-alcoholic beverages to all school-aged children

Drafted in 2014, not progressed.

Mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labelling of food and non-alcoholic beverages

Drafted in 2014, remains under development.

Tax on sugar sweetened beverages

Introduced in 2019 at 11%, reduced from the originally proposed 20% (supported by evidence indicating this higher rate would be more effective).

Ban on marketing of infant formula

Comprehensive policy adopted in 2012 but policy process significantly delayed.

Ban on marketing of alcoholic beverages

Currently under the Liquor Act of 2003 it is prohibited to advertise alcohol targeting minors or to use false or misleading advertising [59]. A new Control of Marketing of Alcoholic Beverages Bill drafted in 2013, includes provisions to ban advertising, sports sponsorships and promotion of alcoholic beverages [60] has not progressed.

Health warning labelling on alcoholic beverage containers

In 2017 draft amendments to existing health warning labelling regulation (2007) were published, increasing the size of warning labels and requiring regular rotation of seven heath warning messages [61]. These ammendments were later repealed in 2020.

Increasing the drinking age to 21, banning alcohol trade within 100 m of schools and churches and liability clauses for alcohol retailers.

The draft Liquor amendment Bill of 2016 [62] containing these (among other) regulations has undergone three revisions and remains under consideration.

Controlling the production and sale of certain alcoholic products by changing the alcohol content of what was deemed as liquor from 1% of volume to 0.5% and to regulate the import and export of certain alcoholic products.

The draft Liquor Products Amendment Bill 2016 [63] containing these (among other) regulations has undergone three revisions and remains under consideration.