This paper evaluates the impact of a sudden and unexpected nation-wide alcohol sales ban in South Africa. We find that … argue that this estimate constitutes a lower bound on the true impact of alcohol on injury-induced mortality. We also … document a sharp drop in violent crimes, indicating a tight link between alcohol and aggressive behavior in society. Our …

On July 13, 2020 a complete nation-wide ban was placed on the sale and transport of alcohol in South Africa. This paper … evaluates the impact of this sudden and unexpected five-week alcohol prohibition on mortality due to unnatural causes. We find … the impact of alcohol on short-run mortality, and underscores the severe influence that alcohol has on society - even in …