Preventing alcohol problems using healthy public policy

This paper, using the Canberra Consensus Statement (WHO, 1988)as a basis, focuses on the role of public policy in minimizinghann from alcohol misuse. The statement identifies three componentsthrough which such goals may be achieved demand reduction, supplyreduction, and others. The paper firstly examines the usefulnessof the document in guiding public policy initiatives. Secondly,we examine some theoretical and practical problems that mayarise flve formulating and implementing its recommendations.In doing so we identify some of its strengths and weaknessesand suggest a nsumber of future directions for healthy publicpolicy.