Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

___________________________________________

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Blunting the legacy of alcohol abuse in Western Australia



After bravely ushering in alcohol sale restrictions proposed by its residents, a remote Western Australian community is tackling the long-term effects of alcohol misuse.

Tony Kirby reports.

Fitzroy Crossing, an isolated town with approximately 2500 residents in Australia's remote northwest, was typical of such communities, with a large Indigenous population (around 60%), high rates of harmful alcohol use, and depressingly high rates of alcohol-related violence and crime.

A tipping point came in 2007 when there were 55 deaths in the community, 13 being suicides. Alcohol was a factor in most deaths. After much consultation, community elders took what at the time was unthinkable action: proposing that all stores selling take-away alcohol be restricted only to low-strength beverages, with a maximum of 2·5% alcohol by volume. Take-away sales of stronger beers or ciders, wine, and spirits were prohibited, meaning these could only be bought in the bar of the town's two licensed premises that were prohibitively expensive to many residents. The nearest town selling take-away high strength alcohol is 250 km away. Despite stern opposition and personal threats to those leading the reform, there was sufficient community support to implement a trial of the restrictions.

12 months after their introduction, independent assessment showed a 28% reduction in alcohol-related incidents attended by police, a 42% reduction in alcohol-related hospital presentations, and a 14% increase in school attendance. Fitzroy Crossing suddenly became a more pleasant place to live and work. Local police could engage proactively with the community, rather than responding to incidents over which they had no control. So successful were the restrictions that the West Australian Liquor Licensing authorities extended them indefinitely. > > > > Read More