A Comparative Analysis of Evidence-based Alcohol Policies: Potential Impacts on Emerging Policy Initiatives

Background: Findings of a comparison of Canadian provinces across 10 research-based alcohol policy dimensions were examined in light of emerging alcohol policy initiatives.

Methods: The implementation of ten alcohol policy dimensions and their attendant indicators (70 overall) were assessed: alcohol pricing; type of alcohol control system; physical availability; drinking and driving; marketing and advertising; legal drinking age; screening, brief intervention and referral; server training, challenge and refusal programs; provincial alcohol strategy; and warning labels and signs. Provincial scores were determined independently by two team members, and dimensions weighted according to scope and effectiveness. The inter-provincial report (March 2013) and subsequent province-specific reports compared provincial scores, and provided recommendations for action. These were distributed to stakeholders and decision-makers.

Results: The consolidated national mean is 47.2% of the ideal. Across dimensions, legal drinking age and challenge and refusal programs score highest at 75% and 61%, respectively, and warning labels and signs lowest at 18% of the ideal. In two provinces there is progress on provincial alcohol strategies. Quebec and Nova Scotia have strengthened drinking and driving policies, while British Columbia recently announced promising recommendations to improve their alcohol pricing system. Nova Scotia has strengthened harm reduction policies regarding alcohol sponsorship, and is exploring alternative means for conveying risks associated with alcohol use.

Conclusions: While scores indicate substantial room for improvement across all provinces, many have taken recent steps to implement specific alcohol policies. Concerted effort involving multiple stakeholders is required to promote evidence-based policies, and reduce risky drinking practices and attendant harm across Canada.