The Organisational Politics of Alcohol Control Policy

Abstract

An increasing emphasis on the stabilisation or reduction of alcohol consumption levels in order to prevent alcohol‐related problems highlights the conflicts of interest in the alcohol arena. The role of national organisations established to deal with alcohol policy issues is constrained by the need to reconcile conflicts with and between a variety of vested interests, of which major ones include the alcohol industry and government. The structure and funding of such an organisation is an important aspect of its ability to carry out its role. The recent New Zealand experience of the Alcoholic Liquor Advisory Council is considered as a case history illustrating the likely obstacles to implementation of a ‘control of consumption’ prevention policy. Copyright © 1985, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved