The illicit alcohol industry is a R25-billion industry, operating in the shadows, and threatening public health while robbing the fiscus of much-needed revenue.
This is according to the latest report from EuroMonitor termed Understanding the Illicit Alcohol Market in South Africa.
The study shows the illicit alcohol market is costing the fiscus a staggering R16.5 billion annually in lost taxes, thriving on poor law enforcement , tough economic conditions and addiction.
The study highlights that illicit alcohol now accounts for 18 of the total alcohol volume consumed in South Africa.
This translates to roughly one in every five alcoholic beverages consumed being illicit.