The effectiveness of the alcohol levy on drinking trends in Botswana: the case of Gaborone

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of the Alcohol Levy on drinking trends in Botswana. The primary objective was to find out whether the Alcohol Levy managed to reduce excessive drinking amongst Batswana as per its mandate. Interviews were conducted using the simple random method. The sample consisted of 70 respondents, of which 49 (70.0 percent) were male and 21 (30.0 percent) were female. Among demographic background factors only gender had a significant statistical association with the effectiveness of the Alcohol Levy on drinking trends. Other factors that were associated with the effectiveness of the Alcohol Levy included level of income, level of education, residential area, frequency of alcohol intake, category of alcohol, overall wellbeing, happiness in private life, drug use, personal budget inflation, and support of the Alcohol Levy. However, other demographic factors such as, age, marital status, number of dependent children and level of education did not have an association with the effectiveness of the Alcohol Levy. The study found out that the Alcohol Levy has not made a significant reduction in excessive alcohol intake and it has not changed the drinking trends of people as it was envisaged when the Alcohol Levy was implemented. This is due to the fact that the majority of respondents reported the same level of intake as of before the increases. Most of these suggested that the Alcohol Levy should be used together with other measures meant to control excessive intake such as awareness campaigns and others as outlined in the study. A marginal percentage reported that they drink less depending on other factors discussed and realised in the course of the study. It has been recommended by the respondents that indeed excessive alcohol intake is a vice and measures need to be put in place to uproot the dangers. Some of the most highlighting testimonials being: creation of recreational resources for those who are already addicted to get rehabilitated and educational campaigns that will teach people of the serious repercussions brought about by alcohol intake.