Ireland recently passed legislation to introduce clearer alcohol labels to warn about the risks of liver disease and fatal cancers from drinking alcohol. Australia should do the same.
Restricting access to alcohol has proven successful, but it’s only part of the solution. There are other strategies that can lead to a longer-term, more sustainable approach.
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder can cause problems with movement, behaviour or learning or a mix of these. In communities where alcohol use is high, a focus on FASD is warranted.
Loneliness and social isolation are some of the strongest predictors of poor health. But many studies informing Canada’s new alcohol guidelines don’t consider social connection at all.
Amid the controversy over Sydney’s lockout laws, a program that looked out for people at risk of harm in the city’s nightlife precincts more than proved its worth.
The number of older people who drink heavily is increasing. Here’s why that’s a problem.
Processes of data collection and analysis being used to decide policy need to be as independent and transparent as possible, particularly on issues as contentious as Sydney’s lockout laws.
Subel BhandariEPA/AAP
The collection and analysis of data used for making policy should be independent and open to ensure public trust in decision-making. The debate over alcohol licensing shows why this matters.
Lobbyists try to water down policies that could restrict the public’s access to their harmful products.
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The steady flow of politicians and government staffers switching sides to lobby for powerful food, alcohol and gambling companies is a threat to public health.
Front line professionals need more support and time.
Fortitude Valley is unique in Australia for its concentration of live music venues, like The Valley Drive In, in one small neighbourhood.
The Valley Drive In/Facebook
The good news is that the growth of live music continued under Queensland’s liquor licensing reforms. The bad news is that venues rely on late-night alcohol sales to cover costs.
For young women in Queensland, the risk of unwanted sexual attention is high when they go out at night.
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Rates of unwelcome advances haven’t changed under Queensland’s ‘Tackling Alcohol-Fuelled Violence’ policies. In one entertainment district, it happened to 26% of women the night they were interviewed.
Queenslanders are drinking heavily when they go out and breathalyser tests show most don’t realise how drunk they are.
Even after ‘Tackling Alcohol-Fuelled Violence’ policies took effect in 2016, Queenslanders still drink more heavily on nights out. Reported levels of aggression are higher than in other states too.
Public alarm at alcohol-related violence led the Queensland government to change liquor licensing laws in 2016. The results of a two-year evaluation are now in.
Qld Police/AAP
A comprehensive two-year evaluation of statewide measures introduced in 2016 has shown it’s possible to reduce alcohol-related violence while also producing economic benefits.
The NT government introduced trial restrictions on the availability of alcohol in Alice Springs in 2002.
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International evidence shows minimum pricing policies can reduce alcohol-related harm. But a downside of the mechanism is that the extra money will go to industry rather than government.
Professor, Director of Research and Statistical Support Service and Program Leader for Substance Use and Mental Health, Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland