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Building Municipal Alcohol Policy

Â鶹ӳ»­ municipalities are both committed, and well-positioned, to create vibrant communities where Â鶹ӳ»­ns can thrive. Evidence shows that through the development of preventative alcohol policies, municipalities can realize a host of benefits.

Municipalities across Canada are taking steps to improve the well-being of their citizens and communities through alcohol policy development.

Resources have been made available to:

  1. Create awareness about the effectiveness of municipal alcohol policy as a key tool to reduce alcohol-related harm, and the alcohol policy options that are under municipal jurisdiction in Â鶹ӳ»­.
  2. Increase the number of, or effectiveness of existing, municipal alcohol policies in Â鶹ӳ»­
  3. Promote safer alcohol consumption in Â鶹ӳ»­
  4. Reduce alcohol-related harm in Â鶹ӳ»­ municipalities

Alcohol Policy for Community Safety, Vibrancy, Health and Well-Being

A Practical Guide for Â鶹ӳ»­ Municipalities

This guide offers:

  • the rationale for municipalities to address alcohol-related  harms through policy
  • tips on identifying alcohol policy champions
  • ideas about how to create and sustain partnerships
  • steps to consider in municipal alcohol policy development
  • implementation options for six evidence-informed alcohol policy areas, including:
    • Regulating alcohol availability
      • Density and distance between alcohol establishments
      • Hours of operation of alcohol establishments
    • Controlling alcohol pricing
    • Ensuring safer drinking environments and safer communities
    • Limiting alcohol marketing, advertising and sponsorship
    • Preventing and reducing drinking and driving
    • Advocating for preventative alcohol policy at the provincial or federal level

Need Help?

We can:

  • introduce you to the content of the guide
  • answer questions relevant to your municipality's interest or readiness for this type of policy work
  • outline a book club and initial local consult process for determining how best to move forward
  • connect you with other municipalities working to reduce alcohol-related harms

Support is available throughout the year to Â鶹ӳ»­ municipalities of all sizes.

Email us at addiction.prevention@ahs.ca

Quick Reference

AHS Resources

External Resources

  • (World Health Organization)
  • (Public Health Ontario)
  • (Government of Â鶹ӳ»­)
  • (Canadian Centre on Substance Use & Addiction)
  • (Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research)
  • (Canadian Substance Use Costs and Harms)
  • (PLACE Research Lab, University of Â鶹ӳ»­)
  • (Gouvernement du Québec)
  • (Government of Â鶹ӳ»­)