The idea of alcohol policy

Abstract

Robin Room: The idea of alcohol policyThe paper first considers the actual situation of diversity and fragmentation of responsibility with respect to alcohol-related problems in governments of modern states. It then examines the conceptual framing of this empirical situation, making the point that the idea of alcohol policy, conceptualizing government responsibilities in the alcohol arena holistically, is historically situated. Only the societies north of the Baltic have a tradition of continuity in such a conceptualization, although the idea has also taken hold in English-speaking and some other societies in the last 20 years. In the wake of this, a substantial literature on the technology of alcohol control has developed. The scope of this literature is described, as well as its limitations in terms of its cultural spread and in terms of its policy influence. Options for sustaining a holistic perspective on alcohol issues within national governments are considered. Convergence on alcohol issues within Europe has so far been in directions which point away from such holistic perspectives, but the tide may be changing.