 |  Producers join forces with Dac in Mazin De Fwa campaign - 28.02.2009
What for most people might seem an unholy alliance between campaigners against alcohol abuse and producers of alcohol is taking place right now with the Mazin De Fwa Campaign.
The Drug and Alcohol Council (Dac) and its partners on the Mazin De Fwa campaign committee have been working with Seychelles Breweries to bring home to people the message of responsible drinking.
The aims of both organisations are not seen as incompatible. Indeed, the director of Dac, Benjamin Vel, said: “Alcohol manufacturers are making a product for which they have a licence and which is therefore legal. Our concerns are not with the substance, but with its excessive use by some people.”
It is noted that alcohol producers are conscious of their corporate image and of their social responsibility. When users of their products cause harm to themselves and to others, they are losing not only valuable present or potential customers, but they are also being portrayed in a negative light.
In some extreme cases, the companies may be seen as perpetrators of “evil” and of “having no conscience” about the ill effects of abuse of their products. While they may have no control once the products are in the shops, they can join forces with organisations that seek to bring a message of responsible drinking to customers.
Not driving when one has drunk alcohol, not giving alcohol to children and drinking in moderation are some of the messages that will be “put out there” for the public. Customers can learn to use alcohol in ways that do not harm them physically and mentally, or hurt or even kill others.
It is in this same light that Dac and Seychelles Breweries have seen that they have a common goal. The push for more responsible drinking is not only highlighted by financial support, it is also supported by technical help. On Wednesday February 25, the Mazin De Fwa committee was invited to an training session on alcohol manufacture and related issues to have better information about the product and bring a more comprehensive perspective to the campaign on alcohol abuse and alcoholism.
It is this kind of partnership that the Drug and Alcohol Council would like to foster with various other organisations and companies. It is by working together that we can get the customers who drink excessively to cut down on their drinking and take a critical look at their drinking patterns.
Together, we can do it! | 
