Alcohol Policy Update

Bi-Monthly Newsletter of the Alcohol Policy Network.
Feel free to copy & distribute
Vol. 2 May/June 1996

"Undertaking a MAP is an incredibly rich health promotion activity. Both the product and the process are valuable to a community. The product benefits the municipality and citizens legally and financially —and the process can have a positive impact on the community's social norms with respect to drinking."

— Denise De Pape, Manager, Substance Abuse Prevention, North York Public Health Department

Municipal Alcohol Policies Make Sense

Chapleau's winter carnival was always a good time. But concerns about the misuse of alcohol during the event led local politicians to beef up rules about how alcohol was served.

In 1992, the township threw a party with a difference — it was the first time the event was run with a Municipal Alcohol Policy (MAP) in place. There was less rowdyism than in previous years — and people still enjoyed themselves, reported the township's recreation director, Terry Piché.

The winter carnival is still going strong, and, according to Piché, the 1995 edition was a great success. "People no longer view the event as the ‘beer fest' it was several years ago." With popular, alcohol-free events, such as a baby contest and sled dog pulls, the carnival is "more family-oriented." Fewer sites and events involve alcohol, and all serving staff and volunteers are now trained in the safe service of alcohol. "We're confident that we're doing everything in our power to positively promote responsibleconsumption of alcohol," he added.

Chapleau's experience mirrors that of many communities that have introduced MAPs in recent years. These policies help municipalities ensure that, when alcohol is served in municipal facilities or at municipally-sponsored events, it's done so in the safest way possible. MAPs are win-win strategies for municipal officials and residents: the policies help reduce the incidence of alcohol-related problems, lower the risk of liability, and increase the enjoyment of those using municipal facilities.

When people drink at recreation centres, city arenas or in public parks, the municipalities that own the facilities face many risks — violence, injuries to participants, underage drinking, and legal battles over alcohol-related problems, to name a few.

MAPs give guidelines for when and where alcohol can be served, the number of staff required at public events, ticket sales, warning signs, insurance requirements and other aspects of safe event planning. They sometimes feature guidelines for responding to illegal drinking in areas where alcohol use is prohibited.

By December 1995, some 191 Ontario communities had adopted alcohol management policies, or were drafting them, often with the help of local Public Health workers and community program consultants with Ontario's Addiction Research Foundation. Toronto, North York, London and Kenora were among the 29 communities that launched policies during 1995.

A recent increase in the number of communities developing MAPs is great news for those concerned about public health and safety, but about three-quarters of Ontario's 816 municipalities still did not have formal policies in 1995.

Different municipalities have tried a variety of creative techniques to pique public interest and promote acceptance of their new policies. For example, the City of Scarborough used a colourful poster and table tent cards to promote its new policy and to encourage the public's compliance. A sketch of party goers, streamers, noisemakers and the question, Planning a party? teased people to find out more.

MAP specialists agree that, when developing a policy, the process moves along best if there is cooperation between municipal officials, advisers and citizens. Public understanding and acceptance in the planning stages will lead to better compliance once a policy is in place.

MAPs have wide-reaching impact. Among those affected by MAPs are service clubs, which host charity events in community centres and other public halls. Any member of the public who wants to hold a wedding reception, dance or outdoor barbecue on municipal property must also comply with the local MAP.

Lately, alcohol use policies are cropping up in places other than municipally-owned facilities. Increased awareness of liability risk has led health clubs with on-site bars, recreation clubs and other private facilities to take a hard look at their patrons' and members' drinking habits, and some are introducing alcohol policies.

The Township of Chapleau Council has recommended that new Chapleau bars, restaurants and lodges adopt alcohol policies similar to the township's MAP. Council proposed that any local business that applies for a liquor licence should develop a policy and enrol staff in server intervention training.

The spread of alcohol management policies outside municipal jurisdictions is a healthy sign, since only a small percentage of drinking in Ontario is actually done on municipal property. Such proactive efforts to prevent and reduce alcohol-related problems demonstrate concern for public safety — as well as business savvy.

For more information on MAPs, call Claire Narbonne-Fortin at the Addiction Research Foundation's Sudbury office, (705) 675-1195. Or contact your local public health or parks and recreation departments.

1. This article is an excerpt from Priorities, developments in alcohol policy in Ontario, 1995-96, to be published in July 1996 by the Alcohol Policy Network in collaboration with the Addiction Research Foundation, Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and the Ontario Public Health Association.

Why bother with a Municipal Alcohol Policy?

According to an ARF survey released in January 1995, of communities with municipal alcohol policies:

Communities with MAPs also report improved community image and increased participation in community events by non-drinkers.

The same study indicates that it takes at least six months after launching a MAP for municipalities to see reductions in alcohol-related problems.

Additional background information on municipal alcohol policies is available on APOLNET, the Alcohol Policy Network's on-line service, accessible through a modem or the Internet.

Among the materials posted are:

Materials may be read on-line or downloaded for future reference.

Those interested in sharing news and views on this topic with colleagues across the province may post questions or materials on the public forum.

Alcohol Policy Round Up

Alcohol Warning Labels Bill Shelved

A private member's bill requiring warning labels on containers of alcoholic beverages sold in Canada has been put on hold pending a comprehensive review of federal drug policy in the Fall. After receiving all-party support at second reading in the House of Commons, the bill was forwarded to the Standing Committee on Health for public consultation. Strong opposition from the alcohol industry, and lack of consensus among health and addictions groups on the content of the labels, persuaded members of the committee to temporarily shelve the bill, although it may be resurrected when the House resumes sitting in September. Details on the drug policy review are not yet available. For more information, contact Nancy Hall, Clerk of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health, (613) 992-1775. For information on warning labels, including sample submissions made to the Subcommittee on Bill C-222, log on to APOLNET, our on-line service, after June 26.

Changes to Broadcast Alcohol Advertising Code Pending

The CRTC is expected to issue a public notice in late summer or early fall on proposed revisions to the federal Code for Broadcast Advertising of Alcoholic Beverages. Sources indicate that CRTC may be ready to relinquish its traditional regulatory role with respect to alcohol advertising on radio and TV in favour of industry self-regulation. For more info, call the CRTC at (819) 997-4716.

Liquor Regulations Updated

New liquor regulations, which came into effect on May 1, give bars and restaurants across Ontario the option to serve alcohol until 2:00 a.m. and remain open until 3:00 a.m., seven days a week. Other changes to liquor regulations include: 1) allowing alcohol sales on the playing areas of golf courses; 2) prohibiting the possession of alcohol at Blue Lake and Rushing River Provincial Parks; 3) developing a process to make beer price changes more responsive to market forces; and 4) clarifying the activities of manufacturers' repre-sentatives. Meanwhile, a private member's bill giving municipalities the power to designate areas with earlier closing hours was defeated in Queen's Park on May 30. For details on extended bar hours, contact MCCR, (416) 326-8535. For information on PrBill 51, contact Parkdale MPP Tony Ruprecht, (416) 325-7777.

Liquor Licence Board and Gaming Control Commission to Merge

On June 13 Consumer and Commercial Relations Minister Norman Sterling tabled legislation at Queen's Park to merge the LLBO and OGCC into a new regulatory and licensing body called the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. For details, call MCCR at (416) 326-8495.

Cabinet to Study Privatization

Last month, the government of Ontario announced the creation of a special cabinet committee to review privatization options for several public agencies, including the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO). No word yet on opportunities for public input. Meanwhile, numerous boards and health and grassroots groups across the province are consulting with local residents to determine the potential impact of increased alcohol availability on public health and safety. Some have passed resolutions urging the Ontario government to consider health and safety concerns in its deliberations, or opposing further de-regulation of alcohol sales on public health grounds. For info on the pros and cons of alcohol de-regulation, check out our Web site or debate your point of view in the APOLNET forum.

A Year in Review...Opportunities Ahead...

Priorities, developments in alcohol policy in Ontario is a new publication of the Alcohol Policy Network, a province-wide group dedicated to the promotion of health public policy with respect to alcohol. Written in accessible language, this useful resource summarized recent developments in alcohol regulation and control in Ontario and Canada and outlines priorities for the year ahead. A must read for senior policy makers, health and addictions specialists, anti-drinking and driving groups and others concerned about the health and safety of Ontario's communities.

Limited quantities. Selected target groups and Alcohol Policy Network Members/Supporters are eligible for one free copy. Additional copies/out of province orders $15 each. Bulk rates available. Publication to be released in July. To order a copy, please fax your request to Ana Almeida, (416)367-2844.

News & Views

Public Education Campaigns

BACCHUS Canada is launching a sober driver summer poster campaign aimed at young people. For more information, contact Lisa Couperus, (416) 243-1338.

ARAPO, the Association to Reduce Alcohol Promotion in Ontario, is testing a series of posters parodying popular alcohol ads. The campaign is designed to get young people to look at alcohol ads more critically. Regional workshops on alcohol advertising to complement a series of recently developed public education tools are also in the works. For more information, call Simone Cusenza at (416) 740-9593.

Conferences & Workshops

The Alcohol Policy Network will be holding a provincial networking and professional development day on November 13. Pencil it in your DayTimers now. Details to follow. A series of regional workshops on various aspects of alcohol policy are also planned between now and March 1997. If you are interested in hosting a day-long session in your area, call Paula Neves at (416) 367-3313 ext. 27.

The Ontario Substance Abuse Bureau held a day-long forum in Toronto on June 13 for those involved in Ontario Substance Abuse Strategy committees and work groups. The goal of the day was to develop a common vision and plan of action for the coming year. For more information, call the Bureau at (416) 327-8856.

Alcohol Policy Network News

The Alcohol Policy Network's recruitment drive is off to a promising start. Below is a partial list of organizations that had joined as Community Partners as of June 1. A warm welcome to:

AWARE, Kingston
Addiction Research Foundation, Toronto
Against Drunk Driving, Orillia
Alcohol Countermeasure Systems, Mississauga
ARAPO, North York
Association of District Health Councils, Willowdale
Best Start Algoma, Sault Ste. Marie
Black Creek Focus Community, North York
Breakaway Youth & Family Services, Etobicoke
Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, Toronto
Carleton University Student Services, Ottawa
City of Toronto Public Health Department, Toronto
Community Alcohol & Drug Services, Guelph
Council on Drug Abuse, Toronto
Durham Regional Health Department, Whitby
Elgin St. Thomas Health Unit, St. Thomas
Etobicoke Health Department, Etobicoke
Patricia Centre, Sioux Lookout
Guardian Interlock Systems, Aurora
Halton Health Department, Oakville
Hamilton-Wentworth Public Health, Hamilton
Huron Addiction Assessment & Referral, Clinton
Huron County Health Unit, Clinton
IMPACT Program, Victoria Hospital
Lake of the Woods Addiction Services, Kenora
Liquor Licence Board of Ontario, Toronto
London Intercommunity Health Centre, London
MADD Canada, Etobicoke
Middlesex-London Health Unit, London
North York Public Health Department, North York
ON Community Council on Impaired Driving, Toronto
ON Federation of Indian Friendship Centres, Toronto
ON-RASS, Toronto
Ontario Provincial Police, Orillia
Operation Lookout, Alexandria
Parkdale Focus Community Project, Toronto
Peterborough Drug Awareness Coalition, Peterborough
Porcupine Health Unit, Timmins

Our goal is to recruit 100 Community Partners by September. Help us reach it. Encourage groups in your area to join.