Managing Alcohol Consumption (SYC0009)

What is the public problem that the commitment will address? Alcohol abuse and misuse is believed to be having a significant impact on society. Government spends a considerable budget to deal with issues related to Alcohol abuse and mis-use while approximately 70% of admissions in the hospital is due to substance abuse, not alcohol specifically given the prevalence of the drug problem in Seychelles. Workers’ productivity is also impacted as people are frequently absent from work after having consumed alcohol over the weekend. Although not confirmed by research, the prevalence of social problems and a culture of drinking are contributing factors to the problem of alcohol abuse and mis-use. This Commitment will bring together all stakeholders including the Alcohol Industry Trade Body, citizens and Government to have a balanced approach policy making around alcohol which is data driven. Although not confirmed by research, the prevalence of social problems and a culture of drinking are contributing factors to the problem.

What is the commitment? This Commitment will bring together all stakeholders including the Alcohol Industry Trade Body, citizens and Government to have a balanced approach policy making around alcohol which is data driven.

How will the commitment contribute to solve the public problem? Some measures have been introduced so far such as policy and regulatory decisions such as the time for sales of alcohol, ban on marketing of alcohol, prohibition of drinking in by the road side are some steps taken but the prevalence of drinking is still recognisable. This commitment is proposing an independent study on the consumption of alcohol in Seychelles that will provide credible information on the situation is proposed. The successful implementation of the Commitment will lead to collection of sound data that provide a clear picture of the alcohol consumption situation in Seychelles. This will lead to introduction of sound policies and laws that should lead to citizens having responsible drinking. This will contribute to a healthy nation. It will also allow for a better relationship between Government and the alcohol producers in the country.

Why is this commitment relevant to OGP values? This commitment will bring clarity on the extent of the problem related to alcohol consumption in Seychelles which will lead to transparency in the policies set on alcohol production, consumption, advertising. Citizens will develop personal accountability for their drinking. Alcohol producers will be accountable for the quality of their produce. The Working Group responsible for coordinating the independent study will be the base through which engagement with citizens about alcohol consumption will take place.

Milestone activity with a verifiable deliverable | Start date | End date

1. The creation of a working group with the relevant stakeholders and Development a Terms of Reference for the Independent Alcohol Study | January 2024 | April 2024

2. Commissioning of the Independent Alcohol Study. | April 2024 | September 2024

3. Submit recommendations of the study to Cabinet of Ministers for consideration | September 2024 | October 2024

4. Plan for Implementation of approved recommendations | January 2025 | ongoing

Action Plan Review

Several interviewees underscored that addressing alcoholism as an issue of national importance in the Seychelles. [38] However, it is not clear how the public and non-government actors will participate in shaping government policies to address alcohol consumption under this commitment. The commitment calls for a public survey to collect data to inform government policy. While positive, this activity does not enable the public to actively participate in the policymaking process. To strengthen the ambition of this reform, the IRM recommends that the government incorporate clear and specific avenues for two-way dialogue with the public on alcohol consumption and government solutions. This reform could be used as an opportunity to facilitate dialogue between the public, government, and private sector that informs government actions. This commitment could prove to be relevant to open government, if the public and civil society are participants in government decision-making.