Prevention in the Canton of Geneva: the effect of measures restricting access to alcohol

Since 2005, in the canton of Geneva, the sale of alcohol is prohibited at night in stores. In addition, service stations and video libraries are no longer allowed to sell alcoholic beverages. The study, commissioned by the Federal Office of Public Health (BAG), shows the positive effects of the restrictions on alcoholic intoxication of youth and young adults.

Since February 2005, the Canton of Geneva has intensified its efforts in preventive alcohol policy; since that date, no stores can sell alcohol [off-sales] between 9 pm and 7 am. As for gas stations and video libraries, they are subject to a general prohibition of sale of alcoholic beverages. A recent study of Addiction-Info Switzerland, conducted on behalf of OFSP, shows that such measures are particularly likely to enhance the protection of youth and reduce the number of intoxication events.

Fewer hospital admissions

Under this analysis, a team of researchers compared the evolution of alcohol-related admissions in hospitals in the Canton of Geneva to the rest of Switzerland. Between 2002 and 2007, the number of emergency hospital admissions for alcohol poisoning has increased overall in Switzerland. In the Canton of Geneva, after the introduction of restrictions on access to alcohol in 2005, this number fell in the age group of 10-15 years, contrary to [the trend in] the rest of Switzerland. In the age group of 16-29 years, the increase was less than that observed in the rest of Switzerland. Without the introduction of these measures, the situation would have deteriorated also in Geneva. It is estimated that with such restrictions, there were in Geneva during the period from 2005 to 2007 35% fewer cases of hospitalization for alcohol poisoning in the age group of 10-29 years. Beyond 29 years, the effects fade. "A restriction, however minor, in the sale of alcohol influence excessive consumption episodes and the number of admissions to emergency departments," says Matthias Wicki, a researcher at Addiction Info-Suisse.

The data considered were those on alcoholic intoxication in the monthly hospital statistics between 2002 and 2007. They are an indicator of excessive consumption events. Adolescents and young adults often buy liquor impromptu and spontaneously, which explains how the restrictions on sale in stores have an influence on the quantities consumed. As kids tend to drink in a sporadic and excessive manner, the correlation between intoxication events and time restrictions on alcohol sales is not surprising.

Sale and consumption are linked

International publications confirm that there is a link, especially among teenagers, between access to alcohol and its consumption, and therefore, to problems related to alcohol. The selling restrictions in this case are a very effective preventive measure, since they are respected. The experience of the Canton of Geneva suggests that limiting access to alcoholic beverages accompanied, on the one hand, by measures related to the monitoring of its implementation and, secondly, by measures to promote health is the foundation of an effective policy for preventing alcohol abuse among young people.

Reference :

Gmel, G., & Wicki, M. (2010). Evaluation des effets sur les intoxications alcooliques suite aux mesures visant à réduire le degré d'accessibilité à l'alcool dans le canton de Genève (Rapport de recherche No 54-B). Lausanne: Addiction Info Suisse