30 years of European alcohol policy

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present development in the alcohol policy area in Europe in the last 30 years.

Design/methodology/approach

Description of policy instruments and analysis of legal basis are used in this study.

Findings

Progress has been achieved in some areas; however, as complicated policy areas, it requires constant effort and engagement of all public health actors.

Research limitations/implications

Continuous advocacy effort leads to increased policy actions, interest and research in the area. Lack of policy instruments jeopardises the future of the field.

Practical implications

This study provides a brief overview of policy landscape and aims to spark readers interest in the alcohol policy.

Originality/value

This study provides an overview of a policy field, not only looking at the legal basis but also meshing with the experience of working in an alliance of civil society organisations.

Citation

Kaczmarek, A., Tricas-Sauras, S. and Skar, M. (2019), "30 years of European alcohol policy", Journal of Public Mental Health, Vol. 18 No. 4, pp. 266-268. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPMH-07-2019-0076