Public policy strategies for the prevention of alcohol problems target the context in which drinking occurs--that is, the physical, economic, social, and cultural surroundings. The environmental approach to alcohol problem prevention seeks to reduce risk and harm for all persons rather than for specific subgroups or high-risk groups. There is limited evidence of potential effectiveness to reduce alcohol problems within a specific target group because if community structures remain unchanged, new problems will be generated by the community system. Alcohol policies can be implemented at a community level. A policy is any established process, priority, or structure that is purposefully sustained over time. This presentation will discuss the role of public policy in a local context and summarize scientific knowledge of effectiveness from evaluated policy efforts. Examples of local alcohol policies can include making a priority of drinking and driving enforcement by the local police; mandating server training for bars, pubs, and restaurants; setting a written policy for responsible alcoholic beverage service by a retail licensed establishment; and allocating enforcement resources to prevent alcohol sales to underage persons.
Learning Objectives: As a result of this presentation, participants will be able to (1) understand how alcohol policies at the local level are essential to a comprehensive public health strategy and (2) know the relative effectiveness of various local policy approaches which have been tested empirically around the world.
Keywords: Community Participation, Public Policy
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.