Swedish public opinion on alcohol and alcohol policy, 1995 and 2003

Abstract

Aims: To compare and discuss public opinions on alcohol and alcohol policies in Sweden.

Data & Methods: Population survey, sent out by post to 3000 adult Swedes, 18–69 years of age, on two occasions, 1995 and 2003. Focus on attitudes towards alcohol, drinking and alcohol policies.

Results: Public opinion on alcohol and alcohol policy has not changed very much when the years 1995 and 2003 are compared, although a slightly more restrictive view can be detected. But there were no dramatic changes in spite of a rapid and sharp increase of alcohol consumption during this period and changing foundations of alcohol policies due to the Swedish membership of the European Union (EU). Swedes seem somewhat more content with alcohol policies in 2003 compared with 1995 and show a more restrictive view when it comes to young persons and drinking.

Conclusion: A slightly more restrictive view on alcohol can be detected in 2003 compared with 1995, and there seems to be continued support for population-wide and environmental measures in Swedish public opinion.

• Alcohol
• drinking (drinkers)
• public opinion
• alcohol policy

Notes

1. This study encompossed Finland, Norway, Sweden and Iceland.

2. This time, 1995, Finland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark participated.

3. For a more complete discussion of the results of the survey carried out in 1995, see Hübner (2001).

4. The survey of 1995 was financed by The Swedish Council for Information on Alcohol and Other Drugs (CAN) and the survey of 2003 was carried out with economic support from The Bank of Sweden Tercentenary Foundation.

5. Varimax with Kaiser’s normalization.