# The Drinks Federation of South Africa says illicit alcohol now accounts for about 18-percent of alcohol sold in the country, with the illegal market worth more than 25-billion-rand. A study by Euromonitor indicates that the illicit market has grown by 55-percent since 2017, while the government lost about 17-billion-rand in excise revenue in 2024. The federation says lower prices are driving demand for illegal alcohol despite health risks. It is urging the government, law enforcement and the industry to work together to tackle the problem.
Drinks Federation calls for stronger action against illicit alcohol