Effects of multi-component programmes in preventing sales of alcohol to intoxicated patrons in nightlife settings in the United Kingdom. (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Quigg, Zara; Butler, Nadia; Hughes, Karen; Bellis, Mark A
• Is Part Of: Addictive behaviors reports. Volume 15(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: Alcohol sales -- Intoxication -- Nightlife -- Prevention; Compulsive behavior -- Periodicals; 616.8584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.abrep.2022.100422
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-8532

Abstract

Highlights: Alcohol service to intoxicated patrons in nightlife settings is common. Multi-component interventions can prevent alcohol over-service. Effects are stronger for interventions including enhanced law enforcement. Abstract: Introduction: Alcohol service to intoxicated patrons is common across nightlife settings and preventing such sales is a key priority globally. In England and Wales, three multi-component programmes have been implemented including: (1) community mobilisation, responsible beverage server (RBS) training and routine law enforcement; (2) community mobilisation and enhanced law enforcement; and, (3) community mobilisation, RBS training and enhanced law enforcement. This study estimates the association between sales of alcohol to pseudo-intoxicated patrons and implementation of three multi-component interventions in four nightlife settings. Methods: Alcohol test purchases by pseudo-intoxicated actors were implemented at pre (n = 206) and post-intervention (n = 224). Actors/observers recorded venue and test purchase characteristics. Logistic regression assessed service refusal by intervention type, adjusting for venue/test purchase characteristics. Results: Pre-intervention, 20.9% of sales were refused. Post-intervention, 42.1%, 68.8% and 74.0% of sales were refused in areas with intervention 1, 2, and 3 respectively. In adjusted analyses, compared to pre-intervention, the odds of service refusal were higher for all interventions, with the highest odds when the intervention included enhanced law enforcement (adjusted odds ratios, interventions 1, 2, 3: 2.6, 7.1, 14.4; p < 0.01). Service refusal was higher if the test purchase was implemented on a Saturday/Sunday night; and lower if implemented in a nightclub or if age verification was requested at the bar. Conclusion: Community-based multi-component interventions were associated with significant increases in service refusal to pseudo-intoxicated actors in nightlife settings in England and Wales. Effects were stronger for interventions including enhanced law enforcement, and particularly if all intervention components were implemented.