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.
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Articles on Alcohol policy
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Not just individuals, but the government’s too.
The number of older people who drink heavily is increasing. Here’s why that’s a problem.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 has become the first jurisdiction in Australia to introduce a minimum price for alcohol.
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.
Responsible Service of Alcohol laws should be coupled with public discussion that encourages people to take responsible for their own drinking behaviour.
Policy changes such as the ‘lockout laws’ have had profound impacts on inner Sydney nightlife. Transport data help us see whether these have caused problems to spill over into neighbouring areas.
As Queensland considers new laws to curb alcohol-fuelled violence in response to a one-punch death, several policy experiments that have occurred in recent years can provide valuable lessons.
Ask your friends and colleagues about young Australians and alcohol and I bet they’ll say something about a generation out of control or a binge-drinking epidemic.
A majority of Australians agree we have a problem with alcohol. But almost all say that it’s not a problem of theirs – it’s a problem that exists somewhere outside of their world.
The Queensland government has said it will push ahead with its plan to introduce lockouts and 3am closing times for pubs and clubs. This is a good idea for patrons and businesses alike.
The most ardent supporters of alcohol must admit it causes an immense amount of harm.
There is a lot of evidence showing that changing people’s drinking hours and consumption patterns reduces violence and hospital admissions.
Top contributors
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Professor of Violence Prevention and Addiction Studies, Deakin University
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Associate 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
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Emeritus Consultant, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst
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Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University
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Professor and Senior Brawn Research Fellow, University of Newcastle
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Senior Lecturer in Criminology, UNSW Sydney
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Research Fellow, Deakin University
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Research Fellow, Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland
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Senior Lecturer in Communication, The University of Queensland
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Director, Centre for Employee and Consumer Wellbeing; Senior Lecturer, Deakin Business School, Deakin University
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Professor and Chair in Health Psychology, Deakin University
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Research Fellow, La Trobe University
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Professor of Public Health, The University of Melbourne
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Professor of Health Research Economics, University of Newcastle
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Professor, Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University
