Aims
To present the most recent research findings concerning the effects of alcohol policy on the retail availability of alcohol
Design
Review of recent international research concerning effects on drinking and alcohol-related harms as a result of changes in alcohol availability.
Setting
Chapter for the update of the book, Alcohol: No Ordinary Commodity (revised edition).
Participants
Set of International alcohol researchers.
Intervention
Review of new scientific publications concerning alcohol policies and their enforcement since the publication of the original book in 2003. Evaluation of research design in order to document strength of evidence.
Measurements
Assessment of new findings over the past 6 years concerning changes in key outcome measures as a result of alcohol retail regulations and enforcement.
Findings and Conclusions
There have been important new findings which further strengthen the conclusions from the 2003 editions, i.e., restrictions on alcohol retail access do have the potential to reduce heavy consumption and alcohol-related damages. Especially important since the earlier publication have been studies concerning the application of alcohol policy to local communities and municipalities, the effects of hours of sale, the effects of alcohol outlet density, the effects of restrictions and enforcement on underage drinking, and the effects of alcohol retail monopolies.
