Abstract :  

This paper describes a new multicountry collaborative project to assess the impact of alcohol control policy.  Longitudinal surveys of drinkers in a number of participating countries and for analysis of the policy context allows for assessment of change over time within countries and comparison between countries. The design of the study is modelled on the International Tobacco Control Study and aims to assess the impact of alcohol policies in different cultural contexts on policy-related behaviours and alcohol consumption. A survey instrument and protocol for policy analysis has been developed by the initial participating countries: England, Scotland, Thailand, Korea and New Zealand. The first round of data collection is scheduled for 2011 - 2012. 

The survey instrument (IAC survey) measures key policy relevant behaviours: place and time of purchase, amounts purchased and price paid; ease of access to alcohol purchase; alcohol marketing measures; social supply; perceptions of alcohol affordability and availability and salience of price; perceptions of enforcement; people’s experiences with specific alcohol restrictions; support for policy and consumption (typical quantity, frequency using beverage and location specific measures (BLSM)). 

The Policy Analysis Protocol (PoLAP) assesses relevant aspects of the policy environment including regulation and implementation.