Limit Access to Things that Reduce People's Ability to Think

Alcohol use can reduce people's ability to think clearly, which can lead to crime and violence. One way to control alcohol-related violence is to control the amount people drink. An Australian resort town, Surfers Paradise, had problems with violence and disorder partly because there were many bars, nightclubs, and restaurants concentrated in a relatively small area. A community action program was designed to reduce these problems.

A key element of the program was risk assessments, which examined different characteristics of businesses and where serving practices could be improved. The risk assessments looked at:

• Specials that encourage binge drinking compared to specials on food or non-alcoholic drinks.
• Policies for staff and patrons on serving underage or intoxicated persons.
• Availability of low and non-alcoholic drinks, and types of food available.
• Entertainment.
• Staff drinking policies.
• Extent of involvement in and support of the community.
• Security policies and procedures.

Individual policies were then developed for each business that made suggestions for certain improvements. After the changes were made, each establishment was re-evaluated. Because of the program, there was less aggression and violence. Controlling the amount of alcohol people drank made their behavior easier to control.

For more information about this case study, click here.

For tips about preventing barroom violence, click here.

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