THE response by the Gauteng department of economic development to the advert offering students a 10% discount on liquor is disappointing.
The department is right in saying that Liquor City was within its rights to put an advert promoting the sale of its products.
Indeed, the liquor outlet did not break any law because it made sure that the students lured by the advert are above 18 years of age. This, however, is not the issue. The issue is about how ethical it is for the outlet to target a sector of the society within which it has been proved there is a serious problem of alcohol abuse.
It is understandable that the department's responsibility is to promote business. But it is equally its responsibility to ensure that business acts both ethically and in the interest of the broader society.
Issue of ethics
THE response by the Gauteng department of economic development to the advert offering students a 10% discount on liquor is disappointing.
The department is right in saying that Liquor City was within its rights to put an advert promoting the sale of its products.
Indeed, the liquor outlet did not break any law because it made sure that the students lured by the advert are above 18 years of age. This, however, is not the issue. The issue is about how ethical it is for the outlet to target a sector of the society within which it has been proved there is a serious problem of alcohol abuse.
It is understandable that the department's responsibility is to promote business. But it is equally its responsibility to ensure that business acts both ethically and in the interest of the broader society.
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