New Publication: Describing patterns of support for alcohol reduction policies among policy influencers and general public in Alberta (2016–2021)

Alcohol is a leading cause of preventable harms worldwide and the most commonly used substance in Canada. As policy decisions can be influenced by policy actors and public opinion, understanding factors affecting acceptability, adoption, and implementation of alcohol reduction policies is vital.

This study examined trends and patterns of support for types of alcohol reduction policies among Alberta policy influencers and the general public between 2016-2021, as well as sociodemographic characteristics associated with support in each group. It found that while overall policy support was generally high in both groups for all types of policy except taxation-based options, support over time was stable among policy influencers and decreased slightly among the general public. Older adults and women in both groups were more likely to be supportive, but also more likely to express uncertainty toward policy options. Among the general public, higher-income respondents were less supportive of taxation-based policies, and those with university education were more supportive of all policy types. Appointed policy actors and those in non-government positions were hesitant to support reallocating alcohol revenue to health services and taxation-based options.

Study findings suggest support may be influenced by lived experience, views on acceptability, and balancing organizational responsibilities with public interest. As taxation-based policies are effective and may have additional equity benefits, these findings suggest a misalignment between acceptability and effectiveness that may benefit from reframing and education efforts.

Find out more in the full study.