1 december 2016

A rapid evidence review of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of alcohol control policies: an English perspective

This paper reviews the evidence for the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of policies to reduce alcohol-related harm. Policies focus on price, marketing, availability, information and education, the drinking environment, drink-driving, and brief interventions and treatment. Although there is variability in research design and measured outcomes, evidence supports the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of policies that address affordability and marketing. An adequate reduction in temporal availability, particularly late night on-sale availability, is effective and cost-effective. Individually-directed interventions delivered to at-risk drinkers and enforced legislative measures are also effective. Providing information and education increases awareness, but is not sufficient to produce long-lasting changes in behaviour. At best, interventions enacted in and around the drinking environment lead to small reductions in acute alcohol-related harm. Overall, there is a rich evidence base to support the decisions of policy makers in implementing the most effective and cost-effective policies to reduce alcohol-related harm.

Additional Info

  • Authors

    O'Connor R.; Burton R.; Henn C.; Lavoie D.; Perkins C.; Sweeney K.; Greaves F.; Ferguson B.; Beynon C.; Belloni A.; Musto V.; Marsden J.; Sheron N.
  • Issue

    Lancet. 2016 Dec 1. pii: S0140-6736(16)32420-5. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(16)32420-5. [Epub ahead of print]
  • Published Date

    1 december 2016