The South African Government is considering raising the legal age to consume alcohol from 18 to 21.
It reported that Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said 10 government ministries were working on measures to reduce harm caused by alcohol consumption.
Another proposal was that motorists could not consume any alcohol before driving.
Addressing a World Health Organisation (WHO) meeting on risk factors for non-communicable diseases, held in Boksburg, Motsoaledi said other measures to be considered included a ban on alcohol advertising and a review of alcohol pricing.
He commended the Gauteng provincial government for the changes it intended making to alcohol laws in the province, which could include not selling alcohol on Sundays.
The WHO said 4% of all deaths globally could be attributed to alcohol.
Motsoaledi said there might be a fight over the changes, but government was prepared for it, the report concluded.