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Limit days/times of alcohol sales

Health Factors: Alcohol Use
Decision Makers: Government - Local, Government - State
Evidence Rating: Some Evidence
Population Reach: 50-99% of WI's population
Impact on Disparities: No impact on disparities likely

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Description

Limiting the days or times alcohol can be sold is one way to regulate access to alcohol. Such policies can apply to bars and restaurants (on-premise) or off-premise outlets such as liquor stores and convenience stores. Most policies limiting days of sale target weekend days, usually Sunday (CG-Alcohol).

Expected Beneficial Outcomes

Decreased impaired driving
Reduced harmful alcohol consumption

Evidence of Effectiveness

There is some evidence that limiting the days or times alcohol can be sold prevents excessive alcohol consumption and related harms; evidence is strongest for maintaining existing limits on days of sale (CG-Alcohol). Additional evidence is needed to confirm effects and identify the most effective limits.

Repealing limits on days of sale in on- and off-premise settings has been shown to increase alcohol consumption and motor vehicle related harms in the United States and abroad (CG-Alcohol). Imposing limits on days of sale in off-setting premises may also reduce alcohol-related violence and injuries (CG-Alcohol).

Increasing hours of sale by two or more hours has been shown to increase alcohol consumption and related harms (motor vehicle and other) in on-premise settings in Europe and Australia (CG-Alcohol). Effects are less certain when hours of sale are increased by less than two hours (CG-Alcohol).

Implementation Examples

United States

Regulations regarding on and off-premise alcohol sales vary by state (NIAAA-Alcohol policy).

Wisconsin

Off premise locations such as liquor stores may not sell intoxicating liquor and wine between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. and may not sell beer between midnight and 6:00 a.m. On premise locations (i.e., bars and restaurants) must be closed between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Monday through Friday and 2:30 a.m. – 6:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday (WDOR-Alcohol and tobacco).

Citations - Description

CG-Alcohol - The Guide to Community Preventive Services (The Community Guide). Preventing excessive alcohol consumption. Accessed on June 23, 2012
Webpage: http://www.thecommunityguide.org/alcohol/index.html

Citations - Evidence

CG-Alcohol - The Guide to Community Preventive Services (The Community Guide). Preventing excessive alcohol consumption. Accessed on June 23, 2012
Webpage: http://www.thecommunityguide.org/alcohol/index.html

Citations - Implementation Examples

NIAAA-Alcohol policy - Alcohol Policy Information System (APIS). Welcome to the Alcohol Policy Information System. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Accessed on June 19, 2012
Webpage: http://www.alcoholpolicy.niaaa.nih.gov/
WDOR-Alcohol and tobacco - Wisconsin Department of Revenue (WDOR). Wisconsin alcohol beverage and tobacco laws for retailers. Madison: Wisconsin Department of Revenue (WDOR); 2012:Publication 302 Accessed on June 15, 2012
Webpage: http://revenue.wi.gov/pubs/pb302.pdf

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Health Factors

Health Behaviors
Tobacco Use
Diet & Exercise
Alcohol Use
Sexual Activity
 Clinical Care
Access to Care
Quality of Care
 Social & Economic Factors
Education
Employment
Income
Family & Social Support
Community Safety
 Physical Environment
Environmental Quality
Built Environment

Decision Makers

Businesses & Employers
Community Organizations
Government - Local
Government - State
Government - Federal
Healthcare Organizations
Individuals
Schools

Evidence Rating

Level of effectiveness based on a scan of academic literature and key recommendations of leading organizations.

  • Scientifically Supported Numerous studies or systematic review(s) with positive results
  • Some Evidence Research suggests positive impacts; further study may be warranted
  • Expert Opinion Recommended by credible groups*; research evidence limited
  • Insufficient Evidence Evidence limited or unavailable; further study warranted
  • Mixed Evidence Evidence mixed; further study warranted
  • Evidence of Ineffectiveness Research consistently shows program is detrimental or has no effect

Although many policies and programs are recommended by credible groups, we apply the rating ‘expert opinion’ only when policies are recommended but limited scientific evidence of effectiveness is available.

* The American Heritage Dictionary defines credible as 'capable of being believed; plausible.' and 'worthy of confidence; reliable.' To be considered an 'expert recommendation,' policies and programs must be recommended by one or more organizations that are recognized for their impartial expertise in the area of interest and have limited evidence available.

Potential Population Reach

Portion of Wisconsin's population likely to be reached by a policy or program if implemented statewide, based on its characteristics (e.g., target population(s), geographic limitations, and potential implementers).

<1%   20-49%
1-9%   50-99%
10-19%   100%

Potential Population Reach

Portion of Wisconsin's population likely to be reached by a policy or program if implemented statewide, based on its characteristics (e.g., target population(s), geographic limitations, and potential implementers).

<1%   20-49%
1-9%   50-99%
10-19%   100%

Potential Impact on Health Disparities

Likely impact of a given policy or program on racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, geographic or other disparities in Wisconsin based on its characteristics (e.g., target audience, mode of delivery, etc.) and best available evidence related to disparities.

  • Likely to decrease disparities
  • No impact on disparities likely
  • Likely to increase disparities