The expected outcomes of this project can be defined on different levels;
i) at policy level; and,
ii) at population level
The direct impact of the project is on the availability of alcohol in four different binge-drinking settings in diverse European countries (policy level). As a result on the reduction of the alcohol availability, we expect a decline in binge drinking in those settings and consequently in alcohol related problems such as: alcohol related violence, alcohol related deaths, intoxications and drunk-driving (population level).
Policy level
Within the four defined binge drinking settings, pilot plans will be implemented that will lead to a reduction of the availability of alcohol. The manner in which the availability of alcohol is reduced will vary per setting and pilot plan. Examples of possible outcomes are:
- Less over- serving by bar staff
- Less happy hours or price discounts for alcohol
- Better enforcement of legal age limits
- Fewer points of sale
- Decreased availability of alcohol in parks, squares and other public spaces
- More parental control on binge drinking in home settings
- Reduction in the number of parents that buy alcohol for underage children
Population level
Research shows that reducing the availability of alcohol is related to reduced alcohol consumption and alcohol related problems (Babor, 2010). By reducing consumption, the STAD project implemented in Sweden has been able to reduce alcohol problems, increasing safety, and decreasing health and societal costs. For example, violent crimes were reduced by up to 29% in the intervention area of the project (Wallin et al, 2002) andsocietal costs were reduced by an estimated 31 million euro (Mansdotter et al, 2007). The European communities that will implement the adapted STAD models for each of the four settings may expect comparable benefits.