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Impact of More Visible Standard Drink Labeling on Youth Alcohol Consumption: Helping Young People Drink (IR) Responsibly?

NCJ Number
227293
Journal
Drug and Alcohol Review Volume: 28 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2009 Pages: 230-234
Author(s)
Sandra C. Jones; Parri Gregory
Date Published
May 2009
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This study examined young people's perceptions of standard drink labeling, the purposes for which they would use standard drink information, and the potential impact on their alcohol consumption levels.
Abstract
Study findings provide initial evidence to support the view that, as a policy operating in isolation rather than as part of a strong new package to address marketing and availability, standard drink labeling was likely to serve to further increase excessive drinking among young people. The introducing of more visible labeling was viewed as assisting young people to make more irresponsible choices. Standard drink labeling has an important role as long as it is combined with other policies addressing the price, availability, and marketing of alcohol which have proven effective in reducing alcohol related harm. In response to increasing concerns about excessive drinking among young people, the Australian alcohol industry announced that it would introduce more visible standard drink labels. This study examined whether young people used this information in a way that decreased or increased alcohol-related harms. The study consisted of a total of 6 focus groups, each comprising between 6 and 10 students enrolled in a university in New South Wales. References