scotPHO introduction:
  Alcohol
  Introduction
Policy context
  Data
  Key data sources
  Key references and evidence
  Useful links
  Diet & Nutrition
  Drugs
  Multiple Risk Factors
  Physical Activity
  Sexual Health
  Tobacco Use
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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 Government consultation ‘Changing Scotland’s Relationship with Alcohol: A Framework for Action’ was published in March 2009. It follows on from the Plan for Action published in 2002 and updated in 2007, which had a similar emphasis on changing the culture of drinking in Scotland. More information on Government strategy relating to alcohol can be found on their website.

Licensing Act

The Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 comes into force on 1st September 2009.It follows on from the Nicholson committee report, Review of Liquor Licensing Law in Scotland published in 2003.

Five key objectives are identified by the Scottish Government in the new act:

  • Preventing crime and disorder
  • Securing public safety
  • Preventing public nuisance
  • Protecting and improving public health
  • Protecting children from harm.

Alcohol services

Interventions for alcohol problems range from delivering brief advice on cutting down alcohol consumption through to complex care for those with alcohol-related brain damage. These interventions can be delivered in a variety of settings, both within and outwith the health service, including the voluntary sector. Interventions are also delivered by a range of providers, both generalist and specialist. Audit Scotland's March 2009 report Drug and alcohol services in Scotland reviewed the provision and funding of drug and alcohol services in Scotland

In April 2009 the Scottish Government announced that Alcohol and Drug Action Teams (ADATs) were to be replaced by Alcohol and Drug Partnerships which will be set up in each council area. Previously the 22 ADATs were responsible for planning and commissioning local alcohol services.

Alcohol Information Scotland

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.