No abstract

Licensed premises refused service of alcohol to intoxicated patrons to a much greater extent than in the baseline study. The improved results can probably be explained by a combination of policy initiatives in the community, changes in the overall enforcement environment and RBS training.

This is a repository copy of Alcohol consumption and the physical availability of takeaway alcohol: systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the days and hours of sale and outlet density..

Aims: Alcohol and illicit substance use among young adults carries the risk of adverse consequences like violence, injuries, risky sexual behaviour and ultimately development of possible addiction. The nightlife arena is a risk-setting for excessive substance use and the aims of this study were to examine prevalence rates and identify high-risk subgroups in this context. Methods: Patrons (n = 1099, response rate 76%) entering or exiting 12 popular licensed premises in downtown Oslo, Norway, completed an anonymous self-administered questionnaire and their Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) levels were measured using a breathalyzer. Results: The average BAC levels were similar (t = 1.67, df = 936, n.s.) and high both for males (1.03‰) and females (0.97‰). A total of 67% reported ever using illicit drugs, 43% reported last year use, 25% last month use, and 14% use during the last 48 hours. Highrisk groups included the youngest patrons (16-20 years) where 50% reported illicit drug use in the last year. Males reported more use of illicit drugs than females, whereas females had equally high alcohol consumption frequency and intoxication levels as males. Young age, male gender, frequent alcohol intoxications and age <15 for first alcohol intoxication experience were associated with increased risk of illegal substance use in multivariate analyses. Conclusions: The high levels of alcohol and illicit drug use, particularly among patrons younger than 21 years, should be of concern to the community, policymakers and the nightlife industry. The nightlife arena may be an under-utilized setting for implementation of risk-reducing interventions.