Addressing the harmful use of alcohol - WHO Western Pacific Region

10.
Implementation
The importance of planning
Successful implementation of any legislation is likely to require:
• Resources;
• Trained enforcement officers and competent managers;
• Committed nongovernment organizations;
• Media organizations that are “on-side,” or at least briefed on the evidence so that they
present an objective and informed view; and
• Public awareness about, and confidence in, the proposed new legislation.
This last point is essential as the primary objective of the legislation will be to promote public
health and safety.
To ensure the successful implementation of any new legislation, it is also recommended that
Departments or Ministries prepare an implementation plan. As a minimum this plan should:
• Appoint a project manager responsible for the delivery of the plan;
• Describe the goal, scope and parameters of the project;
• List the tasks that will need to be completed to implement the legislation;
• Identify the timing for the completion of each task;
• Identify the persons responsible for completing each task;
• Set out reporting requirements for persons working to implement the legislation; and
• Identify the risks (and strategies for minimizing these risks) to the successful
implementation of the legislation.
The authors suggest that an implementation plan be developed well before legislation comes
into force to ensure the smooth commencement and implementation.
The plan should include:
• Measures to ensure appropriate consultation with interested parties, including public
health and community interest groups, representatives of the affected industries, and the
general public (see discussion below on appropriate consultation).
• Consultation with other departments on the content of the legislation, outlining the
purposes, and seeking their input on such matters as:
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