Early ripe, early rotten – underage alcohol abuse in Windhoek
Windhoek’s nightlife is a major attraction for many young people, but according to various sources, there is a growing risk associated with alcohol abuse by minors. Businesses, sources and eyewitnesses paint a picture of how young people sometimes gain easy access to alcohol and nightclubs despite existing regulations.
A nightclub, along with several restaurants and bars, say they take the safety of their patrons and their legal obligations extremely seriously. They describe procedures such as strict age verification, security measures and managerial oversight, as well as staff training to handle suspicious situations.
“Staff are trained to request valid identification where necessary, and service is refused without exception if age cannot be verified,” said a representative of a central Windhoek nightclub. In cases where someone appears vulnerable, safe transport is arranged and appropriate support services or authorities are involved if necessary.
Another restaurant emphasised that it has received no formal complaints against its premises and follows a “zero tolerance” approach when it comes to identity fraud. It appealed to parents and young people to act responsibly and to report any concerns immediately.
A marketer’s perspective
A young marketer working in Windhoek, however, says underage drinking has become increasingly common and that young people often gain easy access to clubs and alcohol.
He described how fake identification documents are used and said some venues deliberately turn a blind eye, as profit often outweighs law enforcement. According to him, the pressure to drink – and even to use drugs – has become “normal” for young people or is treated as a given.
“Many young girls, sometimes as young as 14 or 15, are present in nightclubs and bars,” he said. “Older men at these venues are often aware of their ages and then offer drinks or transport. Young people do not always understand the danger of such situations, and it can be extremely risky.”
He added that young people often do not realise the risks present in clubs and that social media plays a major role in normalising this behaviour. According to him, the human impact is often ignored, and the consequences for young people – especially girls – can be traumatic.
The human reality
One young person, who has been visiting clubs since their mid-teens, said access has become “extremely easy”. “No one asks for identification anymore. This has made it very easy to buy alcohol and get drunk from a very young age,” the eyewitness said. The person stressed that stricter controls could encourage better decision-making.
Another eyewitness recounted a disturbing experience at a family birthday celebration. They said that after a younger family member felt uncomfortable with alcohol, they tasted one of the drinks and suddenly became ill.
“It felt very clear to me that someone may have tried to tamper with the drink. I’m afraid to think what could have happened if I hadn’t been there,” the person said.
A nightclub, along with several restaurants and bars, say they take the safety of their patrons and their legal obligations extremely seriously. They describe procedures such as strict age verification, security measures and managerial oversight, as well as staff training to handle suspicious situations.
“Staff are trained to request valid identification where necessary, and service is refused without exception if age cannot be verified,” said a representative of a central Windhoek nightclub. In cases where someone appears vulnerable, safe transport is arranged and appropriate support services or authorities are involved if necessary.
Another restaurant emphasised that it has received no formal complaints against its premises and follows a “zero tolerance” approach when it comes to identity fraud. It appealed to parents and young people to act responsibly and to report any concerns immediately.
A marketer’s perspective
A young marketer working in Windhoek, however, says underage drinking has become increasingly common and that young people often gain easy access to clubs and alcohol.
He described how fake identification documents are used and said some venues deliberately turn a blind eye, as profit often outweighs law enforcement. According to him, the pressure to drink – and even to use drugs – has become “normal” for young people or is treated as a given.
“Many young girls, sometimes as young as 14 or 15, are present in nightclubs and bars,” he said. “Older men at these venues are often aware of their ages and then offer drinks or transport. Young people do not always understand the danger of such situations, and it can be extremely risky.”
He added that young people often do not realise the risks present in clubs and that social media plays a major role in normalising this behaviour. According to him, the human impact is often ignored, and the consequences for young people – especially girls – can be traumatic.
The human reality
One young person, who has been visiting clubs since their mid-teens, said access has become “extremely easy”. “No one asks for identification anymore. This has made it very easy to buy alcohol and get drunk from a very young age,” the eyewitness said. The person stressed that stricter controls could encourage better decision-making.
Another eyewitness recounted a disturbing experience at a family birthday celebration. They said that after a younger family member felt uncomfortable with alcohol, they tasted one of the drinks and suddenly became ill.
“It felt very clear to me that someone may have tried to tamper with the drink. I’m afraid to think what could have happened if I hadn’t been there,” the person said.
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