Alcohol Industry Communications Code of Conduct

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to ensure responsible and ethical commercial communication within the alcohol industry, as set by the Drinks Federation of South Africa (DF-SA) and Aware.org members.
The Code encompasses all forms of alcohol marketing, promotion, and advertising, and aims to uphold high standards of responsibility and respect for human dignity.
Download Code of Conduct
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Take your knowledge and Skills in the alcohol industry to the next level

The DF-SA is thrilled to introduce our self-test designed exclusively for professionals like you, who are passionate about maintaining the highest standards of responsibility and ethical conduct in all commercial communications.
Key Principles

Key Principles

This Code applies to all DF-SA and Aware.org members and covers all forms of brand marketing, promotion, and advertising of alcoholic beverages in all media. It excludes public service communications dedicated to responsible retailing, drinking, or social awareness educational initiatives.

Respect for Human Dignity:

Marketing and promoting alcohol should always demonstrate respect for human dignity.

Legal Compliance:

All industry participants must comply with existing laws, regulations, and licensing requirements.

Enhanced Self-Regulation:

A proportionate approach to protect consumers and society from improper practices and provide fair resolution to complaints.
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Standards

Commercial Communication Code Standards

These guidelines outline responsible advertising practices in the alcohol industry.
They cover various aspects such as ensuring ads target predominantly legal drinking age audiences, depicting responsible drinking behaviour, avoiding promotion of excessive consumption, respecting societal norms by avoiding certain themes, providing accurate product information and health warnings, and refraining from depicting violence or illegal activities.
Download Code of Conduct
Media

Media Placement Requirements

Respect for Human Dignity:

Marketing and promoting alcohol should always demonstrate respect for human dignity.

Legal Compliance:

All industry participants must comply with existing laws, regulations, and licensing requirements.

Enhanced Self-Regulation:

A proportionate approach to protect consumers and society from improper practices and provide fair resolution to complaints.
Awareness

Raising Awareness

The DF-SA and its members will promote the Code via their websites and ensure it remains relevant through periodic reviews and updates.

Amendments: Changes to the Code can be proposed and adopted by the DF-SA leadership and Board of Directors.

Dissolution: The Code can be dissolved upon recommendation by the majority of the Board and approval by the Founding Members.
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Lodge a complaint

Have a complaint?

Reach out to the ARB via their complaints portal here.

Important things to remember when laying a complaint:

1. You must provide your name, contact information and ID number. Your contact information will be kept confidential.
2. Your complaint needs to be in writing and include as much detail as possible, including where you heard the ad (TV, Radio, Social Media, etc.) when you saw/heard the ad, and proof (if possible) of the advert in question.
3. If you can, contact information for the advertiser will assist the ARB with the complaints process,
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