Recorded presentation

Norman A. Giesbrecht, PhD¹, Anca Ialomiteanu, MA², and Lise Anglin, MA¹. (1) Public Health & Regulatory Policy Section, Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada, 416 535-8501 ext 6895, norman_giesbrecht@camh.net, (2) Population & Life Course Studies Section, Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada

Recent national and international developments illustrate increased access to alcohol and enhanced marketing, often at the expense of damage reduction agendas. In Canada this is evident through higher outlet density, longer hours selling hours, enhanced retailing and marketing strategies, and pressures to privatize the government-run retailing systems.

We compare actual changes in policy with public views, and identify those sectors of the population who are most or least likely to support policies that are effective in reducing drinking-related damage.

Our analysis is based on archival data, annual liquor board reports and surveys. The latter involved general population surveys of representative samples of adults at the national and provincial (Ontario) levels, with Ns ranging from 953 to 1,947 for Ontario, and 11,634 to 12, 155 for Canada. Respondents views on nine alcohol policy questions were examined, along with demographic characteristics and drinking patterns.

Most supported the status quo with regard to density of outlets, beer and liquor store hours and alcohol taxes. The majority were opposed to alcohol sales in convenience stores and to privatization of government liquor stores, and most supported increased server intervention. Logistic regression indicated that those who drank five or more drinks at least monthly were most likely to favour a relaxation of control, whereas more moderate drinkers and women tended to be opposed to increased access to alcohol. Developing policies that are evidence-based and viable will require input from many quarters and drawing in representative views by members of the general public.

Learning Objectives: At the end of the presentation, the participant will be able to

• Identify recent developments in alcohol policy in Canada.
• Note how public views of key policy topics vary by drinking patterns and demographic characteristics.
• Identify where there is convergence and divergence between policies and public views about them.
• Discuss options for making policy development more sensitive to public needs and oriented to effective interventions.

Keywords: Legislative, Social Activism

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.

Recorded presentation