Alcohol Ban: Fact Or Fiction?

Alcohol prohibition, also known as a ban on alcohol, has been implemented in various countries and communities throughout history, with mixed results. The term prohibition refers to the banning of the manufacture, storage, transportation, sale, possession, and consumption of alcoholic beverages. While some argue that alcohol bans can reduce alcohol-related hospitalizations and deaths, others point to negative economic consequences and the emergence of illegal black markets. During the COVID-19 pandemic, countries like South Africa, Thailand, India, and Kenya temporarily prohibited the sale and transport of alcohol to reduce the strain on healthcare systems. However, the effectiveness of alcohol prohibition is debated, and it remains a complex issue with social, economic, and health implications.

Religious bans on alcohol

Alcohol has played a significant role in religious rituals and ceremonies for thousands of years. However, while some religions incorporate alcohol into their practices, others strictly prohibit its consumption, viewing it as harmful to spiritual and physical well-being.

Islam

Islam forbids alcohol consumption, as it is considered detrimental to both physical and spiritual health. This prohibition is a foundational aspect of Muslim identity, reflecting a commitment to faith and religious principles. The Quran clearly prohibits alcohol consumption, stating: "O you who have believed, indeed, intoxicants, gambling [...] are but defilement from the work of Satan, so avoid it so that you may be successful" (5:90). The restriction is further emphasised by the requirement for Muslims to pray five times a day, as believers are instructed not to approach their prayers while intoxicated (4:43).

Hinduism

Hinduism does not have a central authority, but religious texts generally discourage alcohol consumption. The Dharma Shastras outline varying levels of restriction based on caste. While the Kshatriya caste, comprising warriors and rulers, is allowed to consume alcohol in moderation during social and ceremonial functions, the Brahmin caste, consisting of priests, scholars, and teachers, is discouraged from drinking due to their spiritual responsibilities. The Smriti texts, considered less authoritative, contradict each other by allowing alcohol consumption for certain castes while emphasising that abstention is preferable.

Jainism

Jainism strictly prohibits alcohol consumption of any kind, with no exceptions for social or occasional drinking. Jains believe that any substance that alters or impacts the mind is a form of violence (himsa) towards oneself. Additionally, they avoid fermented foods and beverages to prevent the killing of microorganisms associated with the fermenting process.

Buddhism

Buddhism condemns alcohol due to its intoxicating effects, which induce a loss of self-control.

Christianity

While Christianity permits alcohol consumption, certain denominations advocate for abstinence. The Seventh-day Adventist Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and The Church of the Nazarene are Christian Churches that prohibit alcohol consumption. The Woman's Christian Temperance Union is an ecumenical Christian organisation promoting teetotalism. However, alcohol, particularly wine, holds symbolic significance in Christian rituals such as the Eucharist.

Prohibition in the US

The movement for prohibition was driven by progressives in the Prohibition, Democratic, and Republican parties, and it gained support from various groups such as the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and the Anti-Saloon League. They believed that alcohol was the major cause of most personal and social problems and that prohibition would reduce poverty, crime, and violence. However, there was also opposition to prohibition, including from the beer industry and wealthy Catholic and German Lutheran communities.

During the Prohibition era, an underground market for alcohol emerged, and illegal alcohol production increased to meet the demand. This led to the growth of organised crime groups, such as the Chicago Outfit led by Al Capone, which bribed businesses, political leaders, and police departments. The closing of legal alcohol businesses also resulted in job losses and negative economic consequences.

The impact of Prohibition on alcohol consumption is disputed. Some research suggests that alcohol consumption declined initially but then increased, and the development of an organised black market reduced the effectiveness of the ban over time. Additionally, Prohibition was criticised for imposing "rural" Protestant values on "urban" America and reducing tax revenue.

Prohibition was eventually repealed by the Twenty-first Amendment to the Constitution, which was ratified on December 5, 1933. However, the amendment allowed states to regulate the sale, manufacture, and transportation of alcohol, and some states continued to enforce Prohibition-era laws for many years afterward.

Advertising bans

In addition to country-specific regulations, there are also international efforts to restrict alcohol advertising. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends comprehensive bans or restrictions on alcohol advertising to protect young people, prevent industry influence on social norms, and reduce alcohol-related harm. The 2018 United Nations third high-level meeting of the General Assembly also invited the private sector to take steps towards eliminating the marketing and advertising of alcoholic products to minors.

The effectiveness of advertising bans in reducing alcohol consumption is debated. Some studies suggest that restricting or banning alcohol advertising can reduce consumption, particularly among young people. For example, one small RCT found a statistically significant reduction in alcohol consumption among young men who were not exposed to alcohol advertising compared to those who were. However, the results of other studies have been inconsistent, with some finding no significant effect or even an increase in alcohol consumption following a ban.

While advertising bans may have varying effects on consumption, they are generally considered cost-effective and beneficial for public health, especially in preventing underage drinking and protecting abstainers. The specific design and implementation of advertising bans are important considerations, as incomplete or poorly enforced bans may be less effective and give rise to cross-border marketing and regulatory challenges.

Health benefits of banning alcohol

Alcohol is currently banned for Muslims in several countries, including Malaysia, Yemen, and Brunei, due to Islamic faith and Sharia law. In the early 20th century, the prohibition movement gained momentum in the Nordic countries and North America, driven by moralistic convictions of pietistic Protestants aiming to address alcohol-related problems such as alcoholism, domestic violence, and political corruption. While prohibition was eventually repealed due to its negative economic impact and the rise of illegal activities, it had some notable health benefits.

During the prohibition era in the United States, rates of liver cirrhosis, alcoholic psychosis, and infant mortality declined. More recently, alcohol bans have been implemented in remote, isolated communities in Alaska, predominantly Native Alaskan villages. Studies have shown that these bans have led to a significant reduction in alcohol-related hospitalizations and deaths in these communities. The risk of alcohol-related injury death among Alaska Natives was found to be 2.7 times greater in villages without restrictions compared to those with bans.

Banning alcohol advertising has been proposed as a strategy to reduce alcohol consumption in the general population and prevent early initiation of drinking among young people. Some studies indicate a decrease in beer consumption following advertising bans, while others show an increase, highlighting the complex nature of this issue. Restricting the days and hours of alcohol sales has been shown to be effective in reducing excessive consumption and related harms, particularly in limiting impaired driving and other drinking problems.

While complete prohibition may not be feasible or desirable in many contexts, implementing targeted policies that limit access to alcohol, such as restricting sales days and banning advertising, can have significant health benefits by reducing alcohol-related injuries, hospitalizations, and deaths. These policies can be particularly effective in isolated communities where the import and sale of alcohol can be controlled effectively, and residents have limited alternative access. Additionally, in communities with a strong religious or cultural influence, voluntary abstinence or reduced consumption may be achievable through awareness campaigns and education.

Historical bans on alcohol

Alcohol prohibition has been attempted in various countries throughout history, with varying levels of success. One of the earliest known instances of alcohol prohibition can be traced back to the Code of Hammurabi (c. 1772 BCE), which banned the selling of beer for money, allowing only barter for barley.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the temperance movement gained traction in the United States, particularly among religious groups such as Pietistic Protestants and Methodists. The movement advocated for abstinence from alcohol, believing it to be the major cause of social problems. This led to the Prohibition era in the United States, which lasted from 1920 to 1933. During this time, the Eighteenth Amendment prohibited the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages. However, private ownership and consumption of alcohol were not made illegal, and many people continued to drink, giving rise to bootlegging, speakeasies, and organised crime.

In the British colony of Nigeria, a similar experiment was carried out from 1890 to 1939, following demands from missionary forces. However, the ban proved highly unpopular, and both Africans and the British found ways to obtain alcohol illegally. In South Asia, alcohol prohibition varies across different regions and communities. For example, in Bangladesh, alcohol is considered "somewhat prohibited" due to Islamic faith, but the Garo tribe consumes rice beer, and Christians drink wine for holy communion. In India, prohibition is enforced in certain states like Mizoram, Gujarat, Bihar, and Nagaland, while most other states permit the sale and consumption of alcohol.

During the coronavirus outbreak in 2020, South Africa implemented a temporary ban on alcohol sales and transportation to prevent drunken fights, reduce domestic violence, stop drunk driving, and curb binge drinking during the lockdown. While this ban had positive effects on reducing injury-induced mortality and violent crime, it also drove the market underground, with people finding alternative ways to obtain alcohol.

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