Public opinion on alcohol service at licensed premises: a population survey in Stockholm, Sweden 1999-2000.
OBJECTIVE
In 1996, a community alcohol-prevention program focusing on licensed premises was initiated in Stockholm, Sweden. As a part of this initiative, a study has been conducted to investigate the public opinion in Stockholm on different strategies to reduce problems related to alcohol service at licensed premises.


METHODS
A random sample of 1000 people resident in Stockholm County, within the age-group 18-65 years was selected. A postal questionnaire was sent out during the time-period November 1999 and January 2000 (response rate 59%). The questionnaire included questions on background factors, and support for various strategies to reduce intoxication and to prevent violence at licensed premises. The impact of each background factor on level of support for each strategy was analyzed using logistic regression.


RESULTS
We found an overall strong support for licensed premises to practice responsible beverage service to reduce intoxication, whereas strategies to reduce availability (e.g., increased alcohol price, reduced open hours) were unpopular. The level of support differed by background factor. Frequent alcohol consumers, men, young people (< or =30 years), and frequent visitors to licensed premises, were less supportive.


CONCLUSIONS
There is strong popular support for licensed premises to practice responsible beverage service and for stricter enforcement of existing legislation by local authorities.
Wallin
Eva
E
Department of Public Health, Karolinska Institute, Crafoords vag 6, 113 24 Stockholm, Sweden. eva.wallin@stad.org
Andréasson
Sven
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control; D000434:Alcoholic Beverages / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D000435:Alcoholic Intoxication / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D003132:Commerce / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008004:Licensure / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010934:Planning Techniques; D011639:Public Opinion; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden; D014754:Violence / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology