Reducing alcohol harms whilst minimising impact on hospitality businesses: ‘Sweetspot’ policy options

Citation

Fitzgerald N, O'Donnell R, Uny I, Martin JG, Cook M, Graham K, Stockwell T, Hughes K, Wilkinson C, McGill E, Miller PG, Reynolds J, Quigg Z & Angus C (2024) Reducing alcohol harms whilst minimising impact on hospitality businesses: ‘Sweetspot’ policy options. International Journal of Drug Policy, 129 (July 2024), Art. No.: 104465. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104465

Abstract
Background During COVID-19, hospitality businesses (e.g. bars, restaurants) were closed/restricted whilst off-sales of alcohol increased, with health consequences. Post-covid, governments face lobbying to support such businesses, but many health services remain under pressure. We appraised ‘sweetspot’ policy options: those with potential to benefit public services and health, whilst avoiding or minimising negative impact on the hospitality sector. Methods We conducted rapid non-systematic evidence reviews using index papers, citation searches and team knowledge to summarise the literature relating to four possible ‘sweetspot’ policy areas: pricing interventions (9 systematic reviews (SR); 14 papers/reports); regulation of online sales (1 SR; 1 paper); place-shaping (2 SRs; 18 papers/reports); and violence reduction initiatives (9 SRs; 24 papers/reports); and led two expert workshops (n = 11). Results Interventions that raise the price of cheaper shop-bought alcohol appear promising as ‘sweetspot’ policies; any impact on hospitality is likely small and potentially positive. Restrictions on online sales such as speed or timing of delivery may reduce harm and diversion of consumption from on-trade to home settings. Place-shaping is not well-supported by evidence and experts were sceptical. Reduced late-night trading hours likely reduce violence; evidence of impact on hospitality is scant. Other violence reduction initiatives may modestly reduce harms whilst supporting hospitality, but require resources to deliver multiple measures simultaneously in partnership. Conclusions Available evidence and expert views point to regulation of pricing and online sales as having greatest potential as ‘sweetspot’ alcohol policies, reducing alcohol harm whilst minimising negative impact on hospitality businesses.

Keywords
Alcohol; Alcohol policy; Hospitality; Public health; Opening hours; Pricing

Journal
International Journal of Drug Policy: Volume 129, Issue July 2024

People

Dr Megan Cook

ISMH Hastings Research Fellow, Institute for Social Marketing

Professor Niamh Fitzgerald

Professor, Institute for Social Marketing

Mr Jack Martin

Research Fellow, Institute for Social Marketing

Dr Rachel O'Donnell

Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Social Marketing

Dr Isabelle Uny

Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Social Marketing