Interventions for reducing alcohol supply, alcohol demand and alcohol-related harm: Final report

Abstract

This project synthesises existing evidence and knowledge to improve our understanding of good practice in minimising the range of harms associated with alcohol misuse, especially supply and demand reduction strategies. Reducing alcohol outlet opening hours, increasing minimum legal purchase age, reducing alcohol outlet density and controlling alcohol sales times have each undergone a vast number of evaluations and have been found to be effective in reducing the supply of alcohol and reducing the harms associated with its consumption. Very promising supply-reduction interventions include: reducing trading hours for packaged liquor and reductions in the types and size of liquor that can be sold. Increasing alcohol excise and taxation has been found to be very cost-effective, as well as being effective in reducing the consumption of alcohol and often results in overall social benefit. The most effective harm reduction interventions identified in this project were: the Safer Bars program, targeted policing and the introduction of plastic glassware. Promising harm-reduction strategies include: alcohol management plans in the Northern Territory and the introduction of mandatory security plans for venues. There is a clear demand for more interventions that focus at community, social, family, or individual level.