This study found that in NSW, Australia public support was high for protecting children from exposure to alcohol promotions. However, support was low for policies reducing the availability and affordability of alcohol products. Knowing that alcohol causes cancer increased support for alcohol policies.

The authors conclude that overall, support for alcohol policies in NSW is not increasing. Initiatives to raise awareness about the health consequences of alcohol use, together with effective alcohol policies, are needed to counter industry influence on decision-makers and negative public discourse.

Author

Wendy L. Watson, Natalie Stapleton, Penny Buykx, Clare Hughes, and Anita Dessaix

Citation

Watson WL, Stapleton N, Buykx P, Hughes C, Dessaix A. Changes in public support for alcohol policies in NSW, Australia, 2013–2019. Public Health Res Pract. Online early publication; 2021. First published 3 December 2021.

Source
Public Health Research and Practice
Release date
12/10/2022

Changes in Public Support for Alcohol Policies in NSW, Australia, 2013–2019

Research article

Abstract

Objectives

Alcohol contributes to significant health, social and economic burdens worldwide, but evidence-based policy options can reduce the harm caused by alcohol. The aim of this paper is to understand factors influencing public support for various alcohol policies in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, and to determine any change over time.

Methods

An online survey of adults in NSW, in 2013 (n = 2482), 2016 (n = 1585) and 2019 (n = 1601), assessed support for alcohol policies. Multivariable logistic regression models examined the change in support over time, adjusting for demographics, alcohol consumption, smoking status and knowledge of alcohol as a risk factor for cancer.

Results

  • Most participants (68-72%) supported policies preventing underage internet users from exposure to alcohol advertising, and banning alcohol sponsorship of underage music and sporting events.
  • Fiscal policies and restrictions on the number of alcohol outlets were the least supported policies (<40% support).
  • Compared with 2013, participants in 2016 and 2019 were less likely to support policies increasing price, applying a volumetric tax, and reducing the number of alcohol outlets.
  • In 2019, more than 55% of respondents were aware that alcohol was a cancer risk factor, and knowledge of that relationship was linked with an increased likelihood of support for alcohol policies.

Conclusions

Support was greatest for alcohol policy solutions that had less impact on an individual’s alcohol use. Overall, support for alcohol policies in NSW is not increasing. Initiatives to raise awareness about the health consequences of alcohol use, together with effective alcohol policies, are needed to counter industry influence on decision-makers and negative public discourse.

Source Website: Public Health Research and Practice