Public support for the prevention of alcohol‐related problems

Abstract

Support for a number of strategies and policies for the prevention of alcohol related harm was ascertained as part of a larger survey of public attitudes and behaviours in a representative sample of the Perth metropolitan area. Support for these policies varied, but was generally positive, with young male drinkers the least supportive. The greatest degree of support was found for a variety of training strategies for licensees and barstaff, while a number of restrictive practices, such as reduced trading hours and the banning of the sale of beer in jugs, were less popular. Those who had recently worked in the alcohol trade were less likely than the general population to be supportive of these policies. This effect could not be completely explained by their generally being younger and drinkers. It is concluded that governments generally have a mandate to introduce certain policies and practices into the licensed drinking environment, but that the resistance of the alcohol trade to such measures may need to be overcome if they are to be successfully introduced.

Public opinion on alcohol consumption and intoxication at Swedish professional football events

“…Overall over 90% of the respondents suggested obviously intoxicated patrons should be denied entrance, denied further alcohol service, and evicted from the arena. These findings are in accordance with previous studies showing strong support for alcohol-control policies in “high-risk” environments such as licensed premises (i.e., bars and clubs) [14–19, 22–27]. …”

“…International literature suggests that the general support for community-based alcohol-control policies is strong [14–18]. However, public opinion might vary between countries and within subgroups of a population.…”

Public opinion on alcohol service at licensed premises: a population survey in Stockholm, Sweden 1999–2000

“…Only a minority (from 5 to 31%) favor these strategies. The same has been found in other studies of public opinion showing stronger support for strategies that target problem drinkers compared to support for policies to control physical or financial access to alcohol [31,34].…”

“…Compared to studies from Australia, the level of support was lower in Stockholm for the idea that uniformed policemen should visit bars/nightclubs, and that police should monitor alcohol service to intoxicated patrons [34].…”

“…Less support is given for policies regulating physical or financial access to alcohol as compared to policies more orientated toward individuals, information or treatment [31]. Studies from Australia have shown a similar pattern in public opinion [34].…”