Dutch alcohol policy developments: the last decades and present state of affairs

The article addresses the Dutch alcohol policy over the last decades and the present state of the art. In Dutch society an ambivalent attitude towards alcohol consumption prevails. Developments in legislation and regulations, in prevention and care are described. Several key problems are identified. Among others it is concluded that too little attention is paid to alcohol compared to other drugs. Both in prevention and care evidence-based work has to be stimulated. Legislation and regulations are insufficiently used and evaluated. The government needs to constantly evaluate its policy and develop its options within the area of legislation and regulations, which should also include a critical comparison with the situation in other countries.