Welcoming alcohol back cautiously

Beneath the humour and social media memes about lifting the ban on alcohol sales lies fragility and a threat to lives.

For drinkers, even moderate ones, life without a taste of their favourite fermented brews was a real test of character.

The fact that so many arrests were made against those found smuggling intoxicating liquor against state regulations is proof that indeed Namibians in general are in love with the bottle.

Yet, the most painful thing is losing oneself in the process of loving someone too much and forgetting that you too are special.

Many in our midst have shown such love for the bottle that their own welfare, financially and health-wise, has played second fiddle.

We are no devil’s advocate but starting today, there will be more road accidents, violence and physical abuse as a result of alcohol.

Brian O'Rourke was only joking when he said: "When we drink we get drunk. When we get drunk we fall asleep. When we fall asleep we commit no sin. When we commit no sin we go to heaven. Sooooo, let's all get drunk and go to heaven.”

Overconsumption of alcohol has torn families apart, fathered rejected babies and landed thousands in hospitals with stab wounds, fractured limbs and HIV/Aids.

As we let alcohol bottles kiss our lips again, we must never forget that with every sip we take, we are a step closer to the doors of jail, hospital and the grave.