BC Alcohol Law Blog
Posted by CDR Help Desk on Aug 8, 2014 in Alcohol Treatment, Blog | 0 comments
An article published in early June reflected findings from a CARBC study that Canadians lowball the amount of alcohol they consume by up to 75%.
According to CARBC Director, Tim Stockwell, accurate data on alcohol consumption is needed in order to accurately assess disease and injury cause by the substance. Clearly, then, correct statistics are necessary for effective public policy on societal alcohol use.
How does this new knowledge impact our impressions on the new changes to BC liquor laws? The recommended changes to BC’s liquor policies will result in many changes such as alcohol primary vs. liquor primary establishments, special occasion liquor licensing (e.g. no more beer gardens), beer and wine sales in grocery stores, and spirit sales at sporting events.
It may seem that these laxer liquor laws within a province of people that drinks more than they believe would be a risky combination. However, relaxed liquor regulations are believed to help reduce unhealthy patterns of alcohol consumption as these changes intend to encourage normative, moderate consumption behaviours. Increased exposure to alcohol will not result in more alcohol-related problems. Instead, it is expected to help encourage a social culture where having a drink or two is normative, not binge-drinking in an enclosed pen away from the main event or isolating liquor to an establishment barring anyone 19 years-old and under. It will no longer be this mysterious, taboo behaviour that has likely contributed to youth and young adults’ eagerness to engage in.
Alcohol is one of the most widely abused substances in North America, including Canada. Many people across Canada struggle with alcohol dependency and addiction issues. These health issues are usually caused by other underlying factors such as an existing mental health condition (e.g. dual diagnosis), a history of child and/or sexual abuse, trauma, lack of meaning, and much more. These influences are minimally affected by reduce alcohol restrictions. If anything, problematic social drinking will gain more awareness as regulations debase a culture that influences either abstinence or intoxication and encourage one that sees moderate drinking as the societal norm.
References
1. Canadians grossly underestimate their alcohol consumption: study
2. Liquor report out: removes beer garden, festival barriers
3. B.C. Liquor Policy Review Final Report
