Citation

Vingilis ER. Transp. Res. Circular 2007; 2007(E-C123): 120-129.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, U.S. National Academy of Sciences Transportation Research Board)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The relationship among physical availability of alcohol, alcohol consumption, and alcohol-related problems is multifaceted and complex. Availability theory posits that alcohol availability influences consumption levels, which influence alcohol problem levels, such as rates of impaired driving and alcohol-related crashes, in a population. The availability theory approach to alcohol problems is predicated on the assumption that alcohol problems can be reduced by lowering the amount of alcohol consumed in society. Alcohol control policies are one such set of ?public health measures? that governments, agencies, or industry can implement to reduce per capita consumption. This essentially occurs through the imposition of various 'barriers' that control consumer?product interaction. Thus, the rationale behind availability theory underlies restrictions on hours of sale or service for which alcohol may be sold for off-premise and on-premise consumption. However, availability theory is not the only conceptual framework that has been used to inform alcohol control policies. For on-premise consumption, 'power drinking,' 'last call,' or "six o'clock swill" has been suggested as a competing hypothesis. This hypothesis suggests that tight restrictions on closing times lead to great numbers of drinkers consuming as much alcohol as possible at last call for the service of alcohol, shortly before the licensed establishment closes. This means increased blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of patrons as they imbibe large amounts of alcohol (power drinking) over a short time period. These crowds of patrons leaving licensed establishments at closing times then become involved in increased levels of intentional and unintentional injuries and other types of damage. This hypothesis has often been cited as evidence that closing hours of licensed establishments should be less restricted as a way to reduce alcohol-related problems. This paper reviews the evidence through a review of the literature on changes in hours or days of sale or service and finds a variety of complex effects. Overall, the majority of studies suggest that alcohol consumption can change somewhat in the expected direction with restricting or extending the hours of sales or service of alcohol, although variations exist.