NCJ Number
128119
Date Published
1989
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews research on the link between alcohol consumption and various types of crime and examines proposals for reducing the consumption of alcohol in Australia.
Abstract
The study concludes that both Australian and overseas research support the hypothesis that there is, at the very least, a relationship between alcohol and the commission of criminal offenses. Links are identified between alcohol consumption and homicide, rape, domestic violence, assault, property offenses, suicide, and traffic accidents. Alcohol consumption among Australian youth is noted to be a particular problem. The study advises that any initiative that decreases absolute alcohol consumption can be expected to have a beneficial effect on alcohol-related crime. A raising of the legal drinking age is likely to reduce juvenile crime, but will not affect the group involved in most drunk-driving accidents, i.e., young men over 20 years old. Random breath testing as used in New South Wales has apparently achieved a permanent deterrent effect on drunk driving offenses. This is combined with intensive and sustained enforcement along with massive and sustained media publicity. Other measures for the reduction of alcohol consumption include reduction in the number and type of alcohol outlets, control over the days and hours of alcohol sales, an increase in the price of alcohol, server intervention, and greater limitations on the sponsorship of sports and cultural events by alcoholic beverage companies. 29 references