If you don't see an answer to your question, please contact us directly. We will not only answer you promptly, we may also add your question to the list.

1. I'm new to the alcohol policy field. Where should I start?
2. I am researching a topic related to alcohol. Where should I look?
3. What does this site have to offer?
4. Who is APN?
5. What is your Privacy Policy?
6. If I join APN will I have to adopt your policy positions?
7. What are your current priorities?
8. How often does your group meet and how can I get on the agenda?
9. How do I start developing/writing an Alcohol Policy for my organization?
10. How do I write a Municipal Alcohol Policy?
11. What is an example of an existing Municipal Alcohol Policy?

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1. I'm new to the alcohol policy field. Where should I start?

Alcohol Policy 101 is an excellent package of information, giving an overview and history of alcohol policy. It also provides many helpful links to resources, on this site and elsewhere, to further your knowledge about this field. Periodically, APN participates in a Newbie Orientation 101 teleconference. Hosted by members of the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) community, it offers a broad overview of the Substance Abuse and Injury Prevention field. In addition to reviewing several specific websites in detail, it also introduces the Newbie Toolkit will many helpful links to aid health professionals.

2. I am researching a topic related to alcohol. Where should I look?

There are many choices. Major related topics are grouped under Information Packs. These are a detailed, comprehensive collection of articles, reports, research, and references relating to a specific topic in the Resources/Publications section. Our Index of Terms/Topics is an alphabetical listing of commonly researched topics and can guide you to relevant sections of the site. You can check the Online Searchable Databases for links to national and international publications and bibliographic databases. If you are looking to connect with a person knowledgeable in a particular area, check out our Key Contacts database for organizations and individuals who can help.

3. What does this site have to offer?

APOLNET is the web-based information portal for the Alcohol Policy Network. In addition to our other products and services, we maintain this website as a comprehensive resources for those interested in learning about, discussing, and promoting responsible alcohol policy. About the Site explains many of the features and resources offered on the site; the Site Map gives a "table of contents" overview of the major links; and our What's New on the Site Quick Link let's you know what has been added since you last visited.

4. Who is APN?

The Alcohol Policy Network (APN) is a project of the Ontario Public Health Association (OPHA). APN is also a Canadian Health Network (CHN) Associate Partner. For more information, read our Mission and Values, and Our Structure.

5. What is your Privacy Policy?

We have a strict Privacy Policy whereby we do not sell, lend, or exchange our member information.

6. If I join APN will I have to adopt your policy positions?

No. Although APN does have an interest in public health and safety, we are a network, not a lobby group. Our purpose is to promote informed debate and build consensus, not to champion a particular viewpoint. Our members, be they individuals or organizations, are free to adopt independent public policy positions.

7. What are your current priorities?

1. To facilitate the development of alcohol policies in municipal and local settings across Ontario through the dissemination of practical resources, creation of networking and peer support opportunities, and the provision of relevant training, consulting and information services.
 
2. To strengthen the capacity of the substance abuse prevention field to respond to emerging policy and alcohol advertising issues, and plan and implement effective population-based prevention strategies through a comprehensive website, targeted research, orientation and training, and active participation on key work groups and committees.
 
3. To support the implementation of comprehensive province-wide low/lower-risk drinking campaigns through committee groups (i.e the Low-Risk Drinking Guidelines (LRDG) Committee), website, and partners.

8. How often does your group meet and how can I get on the agenda?

The Alcohol Policy Network receives guidance and support for programming from the OPHA Alcohol Workgroup: a committee of health professionals and researchers which meet monthly. Its purpose is to exchange information on emerging policy issues and identity priorities for the substance abuse field. To make a presentation to our committee, or to get an issue on the our agenda, please contact Alcohol Projects Manager.

9. How do I start developing/writing an Alcohol Policy
for my organization?

We have an extensive list of existing alcohol policies for various types of groups and organizations, ranging from university campuses to many employer-based policies. Feel free to use them as a reference for what others in your area have done. If you come across one that is not represented, please feel free to contact us with an electronic or hard copy for inclusion.

10. What is a Municipal Alcohol Policy (MAP)?

Legislation affecting alcohol consumption is generally believed to be within the jurisdiction of the federal and provincial governments. However, local communities can control where and how alcohol is consumed in municipally owned recreation facilities and parks. The seriousness of potential problems associated with special occasion events on their premises, and the threat of civil liability have led many municipalities to introduce alcohol risk management policies. For more detailed information, please refer to our Information Pack on MAPs.

11. What is an example of an existing Municipal Alcohol Policy?

We have compiled a list of existing Municipal Alcohol Policies. If you come across one that is not represented, please feel free to contact us with an electronic or hard copy for inclusion.