Knowledge of Warning Labels on Alcoholic Beverage Containers

Abstract

Health warning labels are now required on alcohol beverage containers in the United States. This study addresses who has seen these labels and changes in relevant knowledge. Random national samples of adults were interviewed by telephone six months prior to and six months after the enactment in November 1989 of the warning label law (N=2006 and 2000, respectively). Six months after introduction of warning labels, over one fifth of the respondents reported having seen the labels. Greater proportions of key target groups, such as young men at risk for drunk driving and heavy drinkers, reported seeing the warnings. Strength of belief in the truth of included label content increased significantly but very slightly, while for several non-included potential warnings it declined somewhat. The findings suggest that the current warning labels are being noticed by many of those at risk of hazards discussed in the labels. Health information on alternative messages was initially less well known and knowledge levels declined, suggesting these also be considered as suitable warning messages.