Even though the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act (2013) clearly states that;

No person holding a licence to manufacture, store or consume alcoholic drinks under this Act shall allow a person under the age of eighteen years to enter or gain access to the area in which the alcoholic drink is manufactured, stored or consumed.

Who cares? The bar owners need money, and young people want to have fun.

A recent research shows that young people start consuming alcohol between the age 12 – 16 years. A bigger percentage of them receive their first drink from their friends, relatives and even parents.

44.9% of them drink on special occasions, 32.9% on school holidays, 6.6% 2-3 times a week, 5.1% daily, 5.1% once a month, 3.3% every two weeks and 2.9% once a week.

Boy schools account for the highest underage alcohol consumption while the habit tends to be almost evenly skewed between those that receive >3000 & <500 per term as pocket money.

Minors from single parent and grandparent-led families are more likely to engage in underage consumption of alcohol

Courtesy NACADA/ Ipsos