scotPHO introduction:
  Alcohol
  Introduction
Policy context
  Data
  Key data sources
  References
  Useful links
  Diet & Nutrition
  Drugs
  Multiple Risk Factors
  Physical Activity
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Alcohol: policy context

Policy on alcohol problems is mainly devolved to the Scottish Parliament. However, several aspects are reserved to Westminster such as alcohol advertising, taxation and drink driving blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits. The Scottish Executive published a Plan for action on alcohol problems in 2002. The priorities of the plan are to:

  • Reduce binge drinking because of the harmful social and individual consequences,
  • Reduce harmful drinking by children and young people because of the particular health and social risks.

The plan outlined action on culture change, prevention and education, provision of services, and protection and controls. Much of the delivery of action on alcohol is taken forward at a local level by Alcohol and Drug Action Teams, of which there are 22 in Scotland.

An update to the Plan for Action on alcohol problems was published in February 2007.

Changes to liquor licensing in Scotland were proposed in the Licensing (Scotland) BillPDF Button(515Kb), which was introduced to the Scottish Parliament in February 2005. The Bill was passed by Parliament on 16 November 2005. One of the principles of the new law is 'protecting and improving public health'.

The Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy for EnglandPDF Button(419kb), published by the Cabinet Office in 2004, describes current alcohol problems in England and the measures to be implemented to address them.

The Alcohol Information Scotland website is a unique resource holding and linking to a vast range of information, research and statistics on alcohol misuse in Scotland, UK and Europe. The website includes a comprehensive library of policy documents. These cover alcohol-related parliamentary questions, debates and committee reports from the Scottish Parliament as well as UK, European and World policy.