title: Public perception of alcohol policy issues relating directly or indirectly to privatization: results from a 1999 Ontario survey.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study is to measure public opinion on alcohol policy issues relating to youth, litigation, outlet density, and government action. The authors comment on the implications of public opinion with regard to proposals for privatization of alcohol retailing in Ontario.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using data from a 1999 provincial survey (n = 1,288), the authors examine the opinions of Ontario adults (male and female over the age of 18) on seven alcohol policy-related items. In order to identify characteristics of persons tending to express certain opinions, the opinion items are cross-tabulated with sex, age, drinking pattern, marital status, and education. A scale is created to show the level and strength of aggregate support for alcohol controls. A logistic regression confirms associations between demographic characteristics and opinions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority expresses opinions favouring alcohol controls and disagreeing with privatization (73% of total sample against). However, differences of opinion are observed within groups, between groups, and between items. In particular, higher-risk drinkers stand out for their dislike of most control measures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Taken as a whole, the results suggest that privatization of alcohol retailing in Ontario would run contrary to the wishes of the majority. Disapproval would probably be even stronger if more people realized there is often a connection between privatization and increased outlet density, relaxation of other controls, and less consideration for public health.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON. lise_anglin@camh.net
authors.forename: Lise
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Anglin
authors.forename: Norman
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Giesbrecht
authors.forename: Anca
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ialomiteanu
authors.forename: Janet
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McAllister
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ogborne
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009864:Ontario; D017149:Private Sector; D011639:Public Opinion; D011640:Public Policy