Addressing the harmful use of alcohol - WHO Western Pacific Region

Addressing the harmful use of alcohol : A guide to developing effective alcohol legislation
- The final form that provisions should take (such as compliance with domestic
legislative drafting style, identifying appropriate penalties, identifying enforcement
powers for officers under similar legislation, identifying appropriate provisions for the
establishment of, appointments to, and accountability of, and statutory bodies).
- The effect of the country’s Constitution and other laws on any proposed alcohol
control law (see discussion below).
- Compatibility of the measures with any international obligations (e.g. trade
agreements).
- Means of minimizing compliance costs while achieving the desired outcomes.
- Best means of conveying the rationale for, and explaining the requirements of, the
legislation to the public. and
- Strategies to respond to criticism and lobbying by opponents of the legislation, such
as the alcohol industry.
• The identification of resources (persons and financial) to facilitate the implementation of
the legislation.
• The development of an information/education plan for those affected by, or interested in,
implementation of legislation, such as a new or strengthened licensing system. This plan
should ideally include a range of measures to inform people of:
- Exactly what the legislation provides for, and explaining peoples’ obligations under it;
- The rationale for the legislation (what it will achieve, e.g. public health benefits) and
the evidence in support of the measures that are proposed;
- Time-frames for compliance with the legislation (including any transition times);
- How the legislation will be implemented (commitment to enforcement, but focus
initially on education and encouraging compliance); and
- Where to go for further information.
• The establishment of bureaucratic structures, mechanisms and processes to give effect to
the legislation (e.g. mechanisms for licensing, development of signage for retail outlets).
• The appointment and warranting of enforcement officers, and effective training of those
officers.
• The development of regulations in support of and to give effect to the primary legislation.
Consultation of interested parties
The implementation plan should also include measures to ensure appropriate consultation and
information exchange with stakeholders and the general public. This approach may be by way
of a public discussion document and meetings with public health interest groups and also with
industry representatives prior to drafting a bill. The formal political processes of law-making
also offer all parties opportunities to express their views and concerns.
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