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Support for evidence-based alcohol policy in Ireland: results from the Community Action on Alcohol Pilot Project

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Abstract

In Ireland, the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill proposes introducing minimum unit pricing, health labelling, and advertising restrictions to tackle excessive consumption. The aim of this research was to examine the level of support for evidence-based alcohol control policy among the Irish population. We conducted a household survey using quota sampling in three pilot sites in Southern Ireland. Consumption, attitude, and behaviour questions were taken from previously validated instruments. In total, 1075 individuals completed the questionnaire. Hazardous alcohol consumption was reported by 51.1% of the population, 31.5% of women, and 69.8% of men. The majority of individuals (> 50%) supported alcohol policy measures. These individuals are more likely to be low-risk drinkers, older individuals, and report alcohol-related issues in their local area. In the context of Ireland’s Public Health (Alcohol) Bill, this research signals support for evidence-based strategies including minimum unit pricing and a reduction and separation of alcohol sales outlets.

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Acknowledgements

This work is supported by the Health Service Executive, grant CLDATF (HSE) ‘NCAAPP Evaluation’.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Sexual Health Centre, 16 Peters Street, Cork, Ireland

    Martin P. Davoren

  2. School of Public Health, Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland

    Martin P. Davoren & Ivan J. Perry

  3. Addiction Services, Health Service Executive, Kinvara House, Blackpool, Cork, Ireland

    David Lane

  4. Cork Local Drug and Alcohol Taskforce, Health Service Executive, Kinvara House, Blackpool, Cork, Ireland

    Joe Kirby

  5. Southern Regional Drug and Alcohol Taskforce, Health Service Executive, Kinvara House, Blackpool, Cork, Ireland

    Kate Gibney & Gordon Kinsley

  6. Public Health & Primary Care, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

    Ann Hope

  7. Student Health Department, Ardpatrick, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland

    Michael Byrne

Authors
  1. Martin P. Davoren
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  2. David Lane
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  3. Joe Kirby
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  4. Kate Gibney
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  5. Gordon Kinsley
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  6. Ann Hope
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  7. Michael Byrne
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  8. Ivan J. Perry
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Correspondence to Martin P. Davoren.

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Davoren, M.P., Lane, D., Kirby, J. et al. Support for evidence-based alcohol policy in Ireland: results from the Community Action on Alcohol Pilot Project. J Public Health Pol 40, 76–90 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41271-018-0151-y

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