Prevention policies

Abstract

Alcohol is a special commodity because of its dependence producing properties and the extent and severity of problems associated with its use, many of which are preventable. The elements of a comprehensive preventive policy include: controls to raise the price of alcohol; controls on the availability of alcohol, particularly minimum age limits for the purchase of alcohol and limits to the hours and days of sale of alcohol and numbers of outlets; controls on the use of alcohol, particularly restricting drinking and driving; product safety standards, particularly information on the alcohol content of beverages, controls on marketing, particularly restrictions on advertising and sponsorship and; education and information programmes, including those based at a community level to promote support for prevention policies and those based in schools and primary health care.