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 minimizing hann from alcohol misuse. The statement identifies three components through which such goals may be achieved demand reduction, supply reduction, and others. The paper firstly examines the usefulness of the document in guiding public policy initiatives. Secondly, we examine some theoretical and practical problems that may arise flve formulating and implementing its recommendations. In doing so we identify some of its strengths and weaknesses and suggest a nsumber of future directions for healthy public policy