TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2021//
TI  - Alcohol policy compliance among retailers in Bhutan: a multisite community intervention study
JO  - BMC public health
A1  - Gyeltshen, Tshewang
A1  - Penjor, Tshering
A1  - Dorji, Lham
A1  - Tshering, Lobzang
A1  - Dorji, Kinley
A1  - Subedi, Bhim Nath
A1  - Tshering, Dorji
A1  - Xu, Yvonne Yiru
A1  - Dorji, Gampo
A1  - Gueye, Ghislain Nono
SP  - e1893
EP  - e1893
VL  - 21
IS  - 1
N2  - BACKGROUND: Alcohol use is a major public health problem in Bhutan. Compliance with regulations at the point of sale is an important strategy in alcohol control. Retail outlets were briefed on sale regulations and provided notification of rules, which they were directed to display on the premises. The extent to which licensed alcohol outlets responded to possible alcohol purchases was assessed through the use of young proxy-purchasers, adults feigning alcohol intoxication and sober adults. A total of 854 visits (pre versus post visits) were made across four district towns. Two towns (Damphu town in Tsirang district and Pema Gatshel town in Pema Gatshel district) received pre- and post-intervention purchase surveys, while the other two neighbouring towns (Khuruthang town in Punakha and Bajo town in Wangdue) were administered only baseline surveys. <br><br>METHOD: We used a pre- and post-test community intervention design covering all alcohol retailers both on premise (bar, hotel, restaurant, karaoke bars) and off premise (grocery shops). Compliance with alcohol regulations at the point of sale was assessed through the use of young proxy-purchasers, adults feigning alcohol intoxication and sober adults. <br><br>RESULTS: Retailers rarely checked the age and/or identification (ID) of the proxy-purchasers before the intervention. There was a 22.7% (8.6, 37) percent increase in compliance with laws after the intervention. While some strategies are suggested, the strongest and most effective measure to prevent under-age drinking and service to intoxicated individuals is more rigorous enforcement of existing liquor laws. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Alcohol control requires ongoing government enforcements, supplemented by public awareness and knowledge.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1471-2458
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-11932-0
ID  - ref1
ER  -