Alcohol Policy Update

A Bi-Monthly Newsletter of the Alcohol Policy Network
Feel free to copy & distribute
Vol. 12, March/April 1998

"It's easy to feel helpless when you're just watching things go on around you. Resources like Communities Take Action! can help residents to effect change in their community."
— Simone Cusenza, Executive Director of Parkdale Focus Community Project and founding member of ON-RASS

Local neighbourhoods take action on alcohol: The Case of Parkdale

Parkdale is a neighbourhood in the west end of Toronto. Once a wealthy and prestigious area, now its strength lies in the diversity and vitality of its residents. Like many neighbourhoods, it has problems. But Parkdale has a long history of community activism and when liquor licensing was recognized as a fundamental problem, residents organized and took action. A combination of aggressive enforcement and policy initiatives resulted in significant improvements. Now more cooperative measures are being tried.

Irresponsible licensed establishments have had a devastating effect on the surrounding neighbourhood including drunkenness, anti-social behaviour, drinking and driving, violence, vandalism, noise, theft and harassment of passers-by. Often, drug dealing, drug use and prostitution occurred in and around problem bars and restaurants. Early efforts to close down these establishments met with varying degrees of success.

With experience, the police and community began to work together to collect evidence and more effectively pressure the provincial liquor licence board (now the Alcohol and Gaming Commission) to revoke liquor licences. But as soon as one problem was resolved, another erupted. With at least 28 liquor licences on the main street, frequent transfers and new licence applications, the community supported a local city councillor in an interim control by-law to prohibit new restaurants and other businesses that might apply for a liquor licence.

An extensive report containing recommendations for changes to policies and procedures that influence liquor licensing was submitted to a number of organizations including the LLBO. The community also supported the city councillor in the introduction of a ‘moratorium' on new liquor licences. A moratorium is essentially a resolution of city council requesting that the LLBO not issue a new liquor licence in a certain area. While not binding, it did serve to successfully discourage most new applicants, allowing the community to focus on closing down problem establishments and pay attention to other more positive initiatives.

Parkdale also hosted the first of a series of meetings with residents from other neighbourhoods across Metro Toronto, all experiencing similar problems with licensed establishments and frustrations in preventing and resolving these problems. As individuals from across Ontario began to contact each other, a new association was formed, Ontario Neighbourhoods for Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service (ON-RASS). The goal of ON-RASS is to promote the health and safety of neighbourhoods by ensuring that the sale of alcohol is done responsibly and in compliance with the law.

The most important way to achieve this end is to strengthen the public interest provision of the Liquor Licence Act. This section currently guarantees that the needs and wishes of residents will be considered before new liquor licences are issued or when problems arise with existing licenses, thereby allowing residents to influence what happens in their own neighbourhoods.

Work continues in Parkdale, and the community is seeking to replace the moratorium with something that allows legitimate and responsible business people to obtain liquor licences while protecting everyone else's right to a safe and healthy neighbourhood.

"Now that we have flexed our collective community muscle, a more cooperative and flexible option seems possible," says community activist Simone Cusenza. What exactly that will be and whether or not it will work, remains to be seen.

This community story and questionnaire are adapted from Communities Take Action! A practical guide for municipalities, enforcement agencies, community groups and others concerned about the impact of alcohol on public health and safety released on March 30 by the Alcohol Policy Network and the Addiction & Mental Health Services Corporation (Addiction Research Foundation Division). For more info call Paula Neves,416-367-3313 ext. 27 or Marianne Kobus-Matthews, 416-595-8748.

How are Licensed Establishments Doing in Your Community?

Ever wonder how well licensed establishments in your community are handling alcohol-related problems? Complete the questionnaire below and find out. Read each statement carefully and indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree on the five-point scale provided. Use the results to identify priorities for action and next steps.

1 Strongly Agree 2 Agree 3 Disagree 4 Strongly Disagree 5 Don't Know

Score     Licensed establishments in my community/neighbourhood do not serve alcohol to minors or intoxicated persons.   Noise, overcrowding and fights are under control. Alcohol-related injuries or property damage are rare.   Illegal alcohol is not available and alcohol is not served after hours.   Licensed establishments in my community/neighbourhood do not overserve customers and do not promote over-consumption through marketing practices such as "happy hours" and drinking contests.   Low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages and food are easily available at all times.   Licensed establishments in my community/neighbourhood have effective and well- enforced house policies with respect to the sale and service of alcohol.   Local servers have been trained in responsible alcohol service.   Designated driver programs are in place and actively promoted.   No licensed establishment in my community/neighbourhood has been sued as a result of an alcohol-related injury or death on its premises.   No bar or restaurant in my area has received a warning letter from the LLBO or had its licence suspended or revoked.   Licensed establishments in my community/neighbourhood are involved in local neighbourhood associations that promote community health and safety.   Local residents' concerns regarding noise, overcrowding, community safety and so on are addressed promptly.   Establishments with good records in responsible alcohol service and community safety receive public recognition.   Other: Priorities for Action:

Alcohol Policy Round Up

"Got any local alcohol policy news you'd like to share? E-mail, fax or mail us the info and we'll get the word out."

Modernization Efforts Continue

Sources at the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations (MCCR) indicate that Minister Tsubouchi is set to receive the report of the LCBO Modernization Review Committee chaired by senior bureaucrat, Stien Lal. This report, a synthesis of research conducted by Arthur Andersen Consulting, will outline options for action, complete with business cases. The Minister will likely take those he supports to the Jobs and Economy Subcommittee of Cabinet in late May. The Minister has indicated on numerous occasions that he would be consulting with various stakeholders, including health and safety groups, if significant changes to the current alcohol retail system were being proposed. Meanwhile, the LCBO is forging ahead with modernization initiatives of its own. Licensees are now allowed to purchase on credit and an experiment to locate mini stores in grocery outlets is under way at the Queen's Quay Loblaws in downtown Toronto. The Illegal Alcohol Task Force, a collaborative venture between the LCBO's Loss Prevention Department and various government and enforcement agencies, has also stepped up its efforts to crack down on black market booze with a spate of charges against illegal wine manufacturers and retailers pending. A multi-media campaign,complete with a $1,000 Crime Stoppers reward, is under way to discourage bootlegging and smuggling. On the social responsibility front, the LCBO recently awarded a $1.5 million contract to Envoy Communications Group to develop a campaign that will "convey the message that moderate alcohol consumption is a personal responsibility." So far, LCBO modernization efforts seem to be paying off. According to an April 14 press release, the agency generated $745 million in revenue in 1997-98; $15 million more than last year's record $730 million and $160 million higher than five years ago. Although the final figures will not be available until the end of April, forecasts show that LCBO's net sales will exceed $2.1 billion for 1997-98, more than six per cent above 1996-97; while volume sales will reach 235 million litres, up more than eight per cent from last year. CEO Andy Brandt attributes the agency's strong performance in part, to new marketing and retailing initiatives including credit/debit, card payment options, AIR MILES rewards, Sunday openings, limited-time-offer discounts and value-adds (bonus products on regularly-priced item). To view the LCBO press release, visit Canada Newswire, at www.newswire.ca/ releases/April1998/14/c2868.html. For updates on the modernization debate or other LCBO initiatives, check out the Hot Issues section on APOLNET, www.apolnet.org/issues.html or the LCBO web site, www.lcbo.com.

Ignition Interlocks On the Agenda

A coalition of anti-drinking and driving groups are petitioning the Minister of Transportation to use ignition interlocks as a deterrent rather than as a last-gasp measure for repeat offenders. MADD Canada founder John Bates would like to see ignition interlocks introduced after the first conviction rather than after the third. No word yet on MTO's decision. Meanwhile, Reform MP Grant Hill (McLeod) is seeking a Criminal Code amendment that would enable judges in provinces with ignition interlock legislation to reduce the fines or sentences of offenders who agree to install an ignition interlock. Bill C-266 passed first reading on October 27, 1997 and is currently in the private members' lottery along with Mississauga South MP Paul Szabo's bill on alcohol warning labels. For more info contact John Bates, 416-232-5335 or MP Grant Hill, 613-995-8471.

Odds & Ends

MCCR and industry sources indicate that, after extensive consultation, a regulatory package covering u-brews/u-vints will likely be introduced at Queen's Park within a few weeks. Meanwhile, MPP Bill Grimmett (Muskoka-Georgian Bay) has ressurrected his private member's bill on drinking and boating. Debate on the issue is set for May 14. For details call 416-325-5740.

COMING UP ON APOLNET: SCHOOL ALCOHOL & OTHER DRUG POLICIES

Drinking and driving, unprotected or unwanted sex, alcohol poisoning, assaults, injuries. With high school graduations around the corner, educators and health promoters are gearing up for prevention. And APN's on-line service is playing its part by focusing on School Alcohol & Other Drug Policies in May. On our web site you will find recent research on student alcohol consumption, high alcohol beer, bush parties and effective prevention programs; information on school board responsibilities in preventing and dealing with alcohol and other drug problems (including model/sample policies); and links to useful internet and print resources. To view the documents go to Hot Issues at http://sano.arf.org/apn/apolnet.htm. To post/share local safe grad info with colleagues across the province, contact Ana Almeida, 416-367-3313 or 1-800-267-6817 ext. 23.

News & Views

Upcoming Events

Drinking and driving season is gearing up and so are anti-DUI groups. The annual Arrive Alive Drive Sober provincial campaign officially kicks off in T.O. on May 12, with regional launches planned in London (May 1), Brockville (May 22) and Sudbury (May 28 or 29). PSAs and other support materials are available. For more info call Anne Leonard, 416-485-4411. MADD will host its annual conference May 29-31 in Scarborough. To register call 1-800-665-MADD by May 8.

On May 28-29, a coalition of northern agencies will be hosting a conference on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Fetal Alcohol Effects in Timmins. $75. To register call 705-267-8181 ext. 234 or 233. A national conference on the same topic will take place in Vancouver on November 19-21. Deadline for abstracts is May 29. For more info call 604-822-4835. Email: pat@cehs.ubc.ca

On June 4, the Alcohol Policy Network will be collaborating with the ARF to present a one-day introductory course on alcohol policy during its annual Summer Institute. $95. To register call 416-595-6020. For more info visit APOLNET News & Views or call 416-367-3313 ext. 27.

Useful Resources

Want to find out what colleagues active in injury and substance abuse prevention across the province are doing? Then the Alcohol Policy Network and the Ontario Injury Prevention Resource Centre may have the resource for you. The Directory of Substance Abuse & Injury Prevention Contacts in Public Health, released at the Manage the Energy Conference on March 29, includes a list of contacts, programs and resources in both mandatory core program areas. $10 (free for designated public health and government contacts). To order call Kathleen Orth, 416-367-3313 ext. 22 or Ana Almeida, ext. 23. Or fax 416-367-2844.

On March 30, APN and the Addiction & Mental Health Services Corporation (Addiction Research Foundation), released Communities Take Action!, a practical guide for municipalities, enforcement agencies, community groups and others concerned about the impact of alcohol on public health and safety.The 168 page resource includes info on how alcohol is regulated, the powers of local municipalities to effect change, and practical checklists, resources and tools. $19.95 in Ontario ($24.95 outside ON) plus GST and shipping & handling. Available in French. To order call 1-800-661-1111. For more info dial 416-367-3313 ext. 27.

Want to connect with colleagues across the province? Why not join the Substance Abuse Network of Ontario's new email listserv for addictions and public health professionals? To subscribe send the following email message to Listserv@ Listserv.arf.org: subscribe SANO-L yourfirstname yourlastname. Leave subject blank.

The Peterborough Drug Awareness Coalition is planning to host an Ontario-wide Gala of Taste competition in 1999 designed to promote wider acceptance of alcohol-free beverages — mocktails — among 16-35 year-olds. The "taste-off" will solicit mocktail recipes from among three categories of entrants: professional bartenders, post-secondary students and high school students. A Gala of Taste Planning Kit is also available. For a copy or to participate in the province-wide competition, call Anne Gallant, Peterborough County-City Health Unit, 705-748-2021.

"Date-rape drugs," meds dropped in alcoholic drinks to knock out the victim, have been making headlines lately. Pharmaceutical giant Hoffmann-La Roche has fact sheets, a binder developed by U of T nursing students, and other materials that may be of help in planning a local prevention campaign. For info call Cathy Metson at 905-542-5738.