Alcohol Policy Opinions in the United States over a 15-Year Period of Dynamic per Capita Consumption Changes: Implications for Today's Public Health Practice

Abstract

We examine 1989–2005 trends in United States (US) public opinion using 11 alcohol policy items (seven national telephone surveys) during a dynamic drop in per capita intake until the mid-1990s, followed by the first sustained upturn seen since 1980. In the 2000 U.S. National Alcohol Survey (NAS) survey 14 available policy items were factor analyzed, forming four factor-based scales replicated in 2005. Linear regression examined changing demographic correlates of support for the four policy areas between 2000 and 2005. Several empirically effective policy levers have weak support, which continues to erode. Between 2000 and 2005 support weakened by an average of 1% for all except two policies, both of which declined since 1989. Even support for alcohol warning labels has turned down for the first time since 1989. Implications of the declining endorsement of alcohol policies are discussed, given the upturn in consumption. Community-based strategies are needed to inform the public of benefits of alcohol policies.