To describe and explain changes in public opinions regarding alcohol consumption and policy in Denmark in recent decades. Since the late 1990s Danish alcohol policy has become more restrictive, and alcohol consumption has decreased.
Methods and Data
Five national surveys and one Nordic survey (1985, 1989, 1994, 1997/98, 2002 and 2011) were reviewed, and the data regarding attitudes towards alcohol consumption and alcohol political questions were identified and compared.
Results
Although Danes perceive the total alcohol consumption to be rather high, there is no support for a more restrictive alcohol policy.
Conclusions
There is no clear direction regarding the development of attitudes toward different alcohol political questions over time. There is no support for the regulation of alcohol price or availability. Danes seem to view alcohol consumption as a private issue that requires self-control and self-discipline more than political intervention.
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