The Development of Alcohol Risk Management Policies: Revisiting the issues and impact

Abstract

Increasingly, liability actions are being launched against local governments in relation to alcohol and drug related incidents. As a result, many Ontario municipalities have taken a proactive stance by developing Alcohol Risk Management policies. Between 1990 and 2993, fifteen policies were developed in Wellington and Duferin counties covering eighteen municipalities and the properties of thirty-five municipalities that are managed by the Grand River Conservation Authority. A follow-up evaluation of the policies was completed in the spring of 1994 by staff rom the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Health Unit and Community Alcohol and Drug Services. This paper revists the issues raised during the policy development process and summarizes results of the evaluation. Recommendations and implications for policy developers, municipal staff local politicians and community members are also discussed. The survey results indicate that for ten out of fifteen respondents there has been a perceived decrease in the number of alcohol-related incidents in their facilities. In addition, fourteen out of fifteen municipalities surveyed indicated that their facility users were generally receptive to the policy. Furthermore, all respondents indicated that revenue was not affected and utilization of facilities did not decrease as a result of the policy. Strategies such as developing consistent enforcement procedures and alcohol-related educational programs are recommended by many municipalities. Furthermore, increasing community awareness about the policy is suggested in order to maximize its impact and acceptability. Overall, there were many benefits realized after the introduction of the policy. Clearly, municipal staff, politicians, and community members can improve the health and safety of their local community through the development of Alcohol Risk Management policies.