The Public Supports Current Alcohol Regulation
Public Action Management
By Pamela S. Erickson
April 18, 2023
A poll taken in February 2023 showed that the public is highly supportive of alcohol regulation. The Center for Alcohol Policy has sponsored this poll every other year since 2008. The results are very consistent over time indicating that public support is long-standing.
An example of that support is this: “Fully 80 percent of Americans indicate support for individual states setting ‘their own laws and regulations surrounding the sale of alcohol, meaning beer, wine and liquor.'”
One can appreciate some of the details in the survey. The public is cognizant that alcohol is a unique product that can create harm if misused. A total of 89% of respondents say that “it is very important to keep the alcohol industry regulated.” And, 84 percent say they are satisfied with the existing system in their state for purchasing alcohol.
The satisfaction also extends to the products available and the places they can buy alcohol. Eighty-eight percent said they are satisfied with the variety of products and 72% said the number of places where they can buy alcohol is about right. Although 18% said there are too many outlets, only 10 percent said there are not enough.
“Americans want alcohol laws to prioritize safety. In a number of key questions in the survey, the public expresses that alcohol-related problems are serious concerns and that health and safety should be at the forefront when lawmakers consider alcohol regulations.”
When it comes to changes, Americans overwhelmingly back public health and safety concerns. Such issues as “reducing drunk driving,” 80%, “protecting public health and safety,” 73%, and “reducing underage drinking,” 69%, garnered far more support than “increasing economic development” 47%, “lowering prices for alcohol,” 29%, or “allowing more businesses to produce and sell alcohol products,” 25%.
Americans also understand that products of higher alcohol content warrant greater regulation. Seventy-four percent said that “the higher alcohol content of liquor poses a greater health risk than beer or wine.”
This is not the story the media often portrays. As researcher Joel Grube states in an article on media portrayal of alcohol, “Alcohol portrayals are relatively common on television, in film, and in music and music videos. These portrayals are largely positive or neutral, often associating drinking with positive consequences or desirable attributes. Negative consequences of drinking are rarely portrayed.”
So, public health advocates, when you discuss alcohol harm with public officials, know that the public holds a priority on health and safety.
Sources:
Americans’ Views of Alcohol Regulation, CAP Survey Results, New Bridge Strategy
Alcohol in the Media: Drinking Portrayals, Alcohol Advertising, and Alcohol Consumption Among Youth, Joel W. Grube