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Dunt DR, Jiang H, Room R. Early closing of hotels: Impacts on alcohol consumption, drunkenness, liver disease and injury mortality. Drug Alcohol Rev 2024; 43:491-500. [PMID: 38048172 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Early (six o'clock) closing of hotels was introduced in 1916 in Australia to curb heavy drinking. It lasted between 21 and 51 years in four Australian states. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of early closing on alcohol consumption, liver disease mortality rates, drunkenness and various forms of injury. METHODS Time series analysis was undertaken using an Autoregressive Integrated Moving Averages modelling technique. Relevant data were derived from annual publications of the Australian Bureau of Statistics and its predecessor organisations. RESULTS Early closing had a substantial downward effect on alcohol consumption across 1901-2006. It had a substantial and beneficial effect on liver disease mortality. Drunkenness rates declined pre-World War II (WWII), though they increased post-WWII. Rates for homicide decreased substantially, and close to substantially for suicide and female homicide. Early closing impacts were more beneficial pre-WWII than post-WWII. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Early closing has not been favourably remembered in Australia in recent years. However, all pre-WWII impacts of early closing were beneficial including public drunkenness rates. Post-WWII, beneficial effects were less clear-cut and drunkenness increased. Resistance to early closing may also have arisen in the 1950s as families had more disposable income and ability to consume alcohol. While universal six o'clock closing is no longer feasible or desirable, opening hours and days for hotels are still part of the policy discussion in Australia. The experience of early closing pre-WWII gives confidence that the impacts of these can be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Dunt
- Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Heng Jiang
- Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robin Room
- Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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Torney A, Room R, Jiang H, Livingston M, Callinan S. Shifts in the Australian public's opinions towards alcohol policies: 2004-2019. Drug Alcohol Rev 2023; 42:1785-1795. [PMID: 37523328 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION After a period of stagnation, alcohol policy in Australia has received increased attention in the past decade, with Sydney's lockout laws and Queensland's restrictions on trading hours garnering media attention. This study will investigate any changing trends in support towards alcohol policy and identify any demographic-specific shifts. METHODS Respondents from the National Drug Strategy Household Survey (conducted every 3 years from 2004 to 2019) were asked to gauge their level of support for 16 alcohol policy items proposed to reduce the problems associated with excessive alcohol use. Mean levels of support for various policy options, as well as demographic predictors of support, were assessed. RESULTS After an increase from 2004 to 2013, support for more evidence-based policies on alcohol (e.g., restricting the availability of alcohol) has decreased since 2013. Support for policy items that focus less on the restriction of the availability of alcohol and more on education remained relatively stable in comparison. While demographic groups continue to vary in their extent of support, shifts appear to be occurring fairly uniformly across sex, age, states and drinking groups. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Support for public health-oriented alcohol policies has been decreasing since 2013. The introduction of high-profile policies and less of a media focus on alcohol may be contributing to decreases in support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Torney
- Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robin Room
- Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Centre for Social Research on Alcohol and Drugs, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Heng Jiang
- Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael Livingston
- Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Sarah Callinan
- Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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Sanchez Lozano CD, Wilkins C, Rychert M. Lessons from the implementation of residential methamphetamine contamination policies in New Zealand. Drug Alcohol Rev 2023; 42:527-537. [PMID: 36571766 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Methamphetamine contamination of housing has been discussed as a significant issue in New Zealand. However, scientific evidence to determine a threshold level at which health harms occur is inconclusive, resulting in conflicting and changing guidance. The initial strong precautionary policy, with significant unintended impacts on vulnerable public housing tenants, dramatically changed following a scientific review. This study explores the policy response to residential methamphetamine contamination in New Zealand over the past decade. METHODS Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 13 key stakeholders involved in policy development/implementation, including those from government, industry, residential housing and academic sectors. RESULTS Consistent application of a methamphetamine contamination threshold for housing has been problematic due to legislative and regulatory gaps. Stakeholders in the residential sector have been influenced by perceptions of methamphetamine contamination as a health risk, political views on drug use, media coverage and the testing industry's business practices. Public housing tenants have faced disadvantages when resolving methamphetamine contamination disputes. The testing industry's participation in committees shaping the regulatory response presents a possible conflict of interest. Wide media coverage heightened public anxiety about the problem but may also have stimulated policy changes to alleviate unintended consequences of the precautionary approach. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS New Zealand's fragmented policy response to residential methamphetamine contamination is likely rooted in the lack of scientific evidence, with some key actors further exacerbating the response. Future policy development should seek to produce overarching regulation that guides the whole sector while balancing powers of the stakeholders involved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chris Wilkins
- SHORE & Whāriki Research Centre, College of Health, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Marta Rychert
- SHORE & Whāriki Research Centre, College of Health, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
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Miller PG, Farmer C, Robertson N, Coomber K, Curtis A, Baldwin R, Patafio B, Ferris J, Puljevic C, Taylor N, de Andrade D. Key informant perspectives on 3 am last drinks legislation in Queensland, Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2023; 42:125-134. [PMID: 36301728 PMCID: PMC10092714 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The objective of this study was to explore key informant attitudes towards the 'Last Drinks at 3am' legislation in Safe Night Precincts in Queensland, Australia. METHOD Sixty-six interviews were conducted with a range of stakeholders including licensees, law enforcement and frontline health professionals. Interviews were semi-structured and analysed using thematic analysis. Key informants responded to questions regarding their experiences of, and opinions about, the last drinks legislation. RESULTS Key informants reported a range of experiences around the impact of last drinks restrictions, including reduced staffing costs and patron-related problems within licensed venues. While some venues reported that their businesses lost money, others reported no change in income or that they changed their business model to compensate. Law enforcement and health professionals reported a range of benefits including reduced alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, drunkenness and injury. CONCLUSIONS The majority of key informants reported that the last drinks legislation reduced harm, while having minimal detrimental impact on business.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter G Miller
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.,National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia.,Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, Australia
| | - Clare Farmer
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Geelong, Australia
| | | | - Kerri Coomber
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Ashlee Curtis
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Ryan Baldwin
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | | | - Jason Ferris
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Cheneal Puljevic
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Dominique de Andrade
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.,School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Reynolds J. Framings of risk and responsibility in newsprint media coverage of alcohol licensing regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic in England. Drug Alcohol Rev 2022; 42:213-224. [PMID: 36065952 PMCID: PMC9539399 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Licensing is recognised as a World Health Organization (WHO) 'best buy' for reducing alcohol harms. In response to the 2020 COVID-19 outbreak, many countries-imposed restrictions on outlets selling alcohol to reduce virus transmission. In England, while shops selling alcohol were deemed 'essential', multiple restrictions were imposed on licenced outlets such as pubs and bars. Media reporting of licensing restrictions during the pandemic might have shaped public discourses of alcohol risks and responsibilities. METHODS This study aimed to understand how alcohol licensing changes in England were framed in newsprint media. Two hundred and fifty-three relevant articles from UK newsprint publications were identified through the Nexis database, published within six time points between March and December 2020 reflecting key changes to licencing in England. Thematic analysis, drawing on framing theory, was conducted to identify 'problems' framed in the reporting of these changes. RESULTS Four dominant framings were identified: (i) licensed premises as 'risky' spaces; (ii) problematic drinking practices; (iii) problematic policy responses; and (iv) 'victimisation' of licensed premises. The presence of these framings shifted across the reporting period, but consistently, social disorder was constructed as a key risk relating to licensing changes over health harms from alcohol consumption. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The analysis shows newsprint media reproduced narratives of 'inevitable' drinking culture and social disorder, but also emphasised expectations for evidence-based policy-making, in the context of licensing during the pandemic. Discourses of dissatisfaction with licensing decisions suggests potential for public health advocacy to push for licensing change to reduce alcohol health harms, in England and internationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Reynolds
- Department of Psychology, Sociology and PoliticsSheffield Hallam UniversitySheffieldUK
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Wilkinson C, Dwyer R, Kowalski M. News media both represents and acts: Commentary on Howse et al. news media content analysis of Sydney's 'last drinks' laws. Drug Alcohol Rev 2022; 41:575-576. [PMID: 35233850 PMCID: PMC9310760 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Wilkinson
- Drug Policy Modelling Program, Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robyn Dwyer
- Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michala Kowalski
- Drug Policy Modelling Program, Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Regulating Alcohol: Strategies Used by Actors to Influence COVID-19 Related Alcohol Bans in South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111494. [PMID: 34770009 PMCID: PMC8582952 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
South Africa has used intermittent alcohol prohibitions and restrictions as a strategy to relieve hospitals of alcohol-related trauma cases and spare services for COVID-19 caseloads. Alcohol regulation is highly contested and involves a diverse range of actors who influence policies to align with their interests. This study sought to examine the strategies used by these actors to shape the COVID-19 related alcohol regulation in South Africa as presented by online news media. We found that the voice of pro-regulation actors is smaller and fragmented compared to opponents of the regulation as each actor seeks to advance their own interests. Despite the regulations initially being framed as a COVID-19 public health measure, pro-regulation government ministries, such as police and transport, perceive the regulations as a way of reducing existing (pre-pandemic) alcohol-related harm, such as crime, road-traffic injuries, and gender-based violence. The pre-existing failures in the alcohol regulatory environment and the current policy momentum created by COVID-19 could present an opportunity to retain components of the new laws and improve alcohol regulation in South Africa. However, there is a dominant and cohesive alcohol industry voice that strongly opposes the regulations, citing economic impacts, illicit trade and lack of evidence on the positive effects of the alcohol bans. Strategies employed by industry include lobbying, framing, and litigation. The regulations implemented under the guise of COVID-19 prevention have presented valuable lessons for alcohol regulation more generally. However, whether these regulations translate to sustainable policy changes will depend upon how and if the strong industry voice is countered.
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