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

In: Burton , R , Henn , C , Lavoie , D , O'Connor , R , Perkins , C , Sweeney , K , Greaves , F , Ferguson , B , Beynon , C , Belloni , A , Musto , V , Marsden , J & Sheron , N 2017 , ' A rapid evidence review of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of alcohol control policies: an English perspective ' , Lancet , vol. 389 , no. 10078 , pp. 1558-1580 . https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(16)32420-5

Abstract

Summary 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.