SWAHA is in support of the move to increase the legal drinking age to 21.
However, it believes the legislation recently passed in the Parliament must be supported by sustained public education, prevention programmes and responsible enforcement.
In a statement, the organization said the proposed increase should not be seen views as a restriction on individual freedom.
Instead, it believes alcohol consumption can have serious consequences, particularly when it begins at a young age or develops into excessive use.
In raising the age to 21, SWAHA says young people will have additional time to develop maturity, responsibility and awareness before being legally permitted to engage with alcohol.
The Miscellaneous Provisions (Alcohol, Cannabis, Dangerous Drugs, Gambling and Tobacco) Bill was passed in the Senate early this morning, with 15 votes for, 12 against, and three abstentions.
