.There is evidence for effectiveness of:
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Regulating and limiting the hours and days of sale, numbers of alcohol outlets, and restrictions on access to alcohol in reducing both alcohol use and alcohol-related problems
NICEPHG024 Recommendations:
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Consider revising legislation on licensing to ensure:
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Regulating – protection of the public’s health is one of its objectives
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health bodies are responsible authorities
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licensing departments can take into account the links between the availability of alcohol and alcohol related harm when considering a licence application (that is, they can take into account the number of alcohol outlets in a given area and times when it is on sale and the potential links to local crime and disorder and alcohol-related illnesses and deaths)
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Immediate sanctions can be imposed on any premises in breach of their licence, following review proceedings.
- Consider reducing personal import allowances to support the introduction of a minimum price per unit of alcohol.
Scottish policy note
A public health principle has been enshrined in the new Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 which came into force in September 2009. This legislation applies to both the on-trade (pubs, clubs, restaurants) and off-trade (supermarkets, convenience stores, off-licences) in Scotland. Protection and Improvement of Public Health is one of five licensing objectives that licensing boards must take into consideration when granting or renewing licences.
References:
World Health Organisation (WHO, 2009) Evidence for the effectiveness and cost–effectiveness of interventions to reduce alcohol-related harm. World Health Organisation: Europe.
The University of Sheffield, School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR, 2009) Final draft of Report 1 Macro Level Interventions for Alcohol Use Disorders: Effectiveness Review to the National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence. National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence.
Babor, T. Caetano, R. Casswell, S. Edwards, G. Giesbrecht, N. Graham, K. et al. (2010) Alcohol: No Ordinary Commodity. Research and Public Policy. 2ND Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press
NICE PHG024. Alcohol-use disorders: preventing the development of hazardous and harmful drinking. National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence.
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