Availability of Alcoholic Beverages and Crime - An Example of the Value of Social Policy Research (From Exploring the Alcohol and Drug Crime Link - Society's Response, P 161-197, 1986, R A Bush, ed. - See NCJ-102892)

• NCJ Number: 102901
• Author(s): I Smith
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 37 pages
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

This paper analyzes Australian data and studies in other countries on the availability of alcoholic beverages to illustrate the value of social policy research in identifying ways to reduce alcohol consumption and alcohol-related crime in Australia.

Abstract

Treatment programs, education, and increased penalties and enforcement have not generally reduced alcohol-related crime over the long term. Policy changes that reduce alcoholic beverage consumption, however, are economical and can reduce alcohol-related crime over the short and long term. Studies, both in Australia and other countries, have shown that increasing the availability of alcoholic beverages by lowering the minimum drinking age, extending the hours for selling alcoholic beverages, and increasing the number of liquor outlets correlates with increased alcohol-related crime. Overseas studies indicate that reducing the availability of alcoholic beverages reduces alcohol-related crime and traffic accidents. Australian social policy research should examine the effect of alcohol consumption and related crime of the alcohol content of beer, the advertising of alcoholic beverages, and alcoholic beverage prices. Evaluation of the effectiveness of existing countermeasures in both the health and legal fields should be given priority to ensure the resources currently available are cost effective. 17 data tables, 11 data graphs, and 71 references.