National alcohol policies: low comprehensiveness and strictness

On average, European countries have fewer alcohol policy measures in place than the rest of the world (Anderson & Baumberg, 2006). The policies in European countries are also generally less strict. For example, in a number of EU countries the minimum age for buying alcohol is 16 (though age limits may be graduated in relation to the type of beverage), while outside Europe a higher age limit of 18 is more popular.

There is growing similarity between national alcohol policies within Europe

Over the last five decades the alcohol policies of the different European countries have become increasingly similar. About 50 years ago, crudely speaking, low-consumption (Nordic) countries had a high level of alcohol control; the medium-drinking (Central European) countries had a medium level of alcohol control; and high-consumption (Southern European) countries had a low level of alcohol control (Leifman, 2002b; Österberg & Karlsson, 2002). See Occurrence of alcohol use for more information on the north-south gradient of drinking levels and drinking patterns.

Since 50 years ago things have changed: in 2000, national alcohol policies showed more similarities. The comprehensiveness and strictness of national alcohol policies had converged, although differences remained (Österberg & Karlsson, 2002). The converging trend is the result of two developments:

• Policies affecting availability were used to a lesser extent. For example, Swedish policies were weakened because of EU regulations (Crombie et al., 2007). Countries that have become increasingly interested in alcohol policy, have not focused on controlling the availability of alcohol, but on education instead.
• Alcohol control measures that were in place have become increasingly similar: such as BAC levels for drink-driving and legal age limits (Anderson & Baumberg, 2006).

Differences remain between countries

Despite converging trends, differences remain between countries in the comprehensiveness and strictness of alcohol policies. Not all the EU-25 countries have an action plan or coordinating body for alcohol, but most of them do have programmes for at least one aspect of alcohol policy. For more information see National alcohol policies in European countries. In general the least strict policies are in Southern Europe and parts of Central and Eastern Europe. Most of the strict policies can be found in Northern European countries. Countries that have stricter policies also tend to have high taxation levels. Exceptions to this rule are France (strict policy, low tax), Ireland and the UK (both low policy, high tax) (Anderson & Baumberg, 2006).

Cultures, economics and global trends affect alcohol consumption

Besides alcohol policies, factors such as culture, economics and global trends also contribute to alcohol consumption and changes in alcohol use (Leifman, 2002b). Especially qualitative features of drinking patterns, like binge drinking and beverage preferences are subject to cultural influences: they change slowly and are difficult to alter through policy measures (Simpura et al., 2002). Thus policy action is not the only factor responsible for changes in alcohol consumption. Over the last few decades alcohol consumption has, however, risen in European countries that have weakened their alcohol policies, such as Sweden and Finland, and declined in countries that are showing an increasing interest in alcohol policy: Occurrence of alcohol use (Leifman, 2002b).