Availability of alcohol in the community

Studies show that one way to reduce alcohol related harm is to regulate the sale of alcohol. Reducing hours during which on-premise alcohol outlets can sell late at night can substantially reduce rates of alcohol-related violence.

Community voices are often missing in the decision-making process for regulating the availability of alcohol. Barriers such as the complexity of the licensing system, being time and resource poor, or not understanding the true level of cost and harm from alcohol, all prevent the community from being actively involved.

A step-by-step toolkit developed by NSW Health and the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) also helps communities have a say in the decision-making process for regulating the availability of alcohol.

• Access the ADF toolkit here.