Australians call for tougher alcohol restrictions

The majority of Australians support hardened measures to tackle excessive drinking in the country, but think alcohol producers should be banned from making political donations.

Australian consumers are “becoming wise to alcohol industry tactics”, according to a new poll conducted by Fare

According to an annual poll by the Foundation for Alcohol Research & Education (Fare), three quarters of Australians think the country has a problem with excessive drinking or alcohol abuse.

Fare’s results also show that for the first time this decade, there has been a “significant shift in public perceptions”, as an increasing number of Australians are now “embracing” government efforts to reduce harm.

The poll found that 73% of Australians believe more needs to be done to reduce alcohol-related harm, dropping from 79% last year.

The findings follow the enforcement of tough new drinking laws across central Sydney to curb alcohol-related violence, banning shots, doubles and pre-mixed drinks after midnight, with a 3am curfew on drinks service.

“The 2014 poll was undertaken at the height of community concern about alcohol-related violence in Sydney, when the devastating impact of alcohol featured prominently in the media,” said Michael Thorn, chief executive of Fare.

“This year’s poll was reflective of a very different environment, following decisive action by the NSW government to address alcohol harms. By introducing a range of measures including trading hour restrictions, NSW has led the way in restoring community confidence.”

According to Fare’s data, four in every five Australians (81%) think pubs, clubs and bars should close at 3am or earlier, while 66% believe the on-trade and alcohol companies are doing more to prevent harms.

However, 69% of the public wants drinks companies to be banned from making political donations, and 59% believe the industry targets young people under the legal drinking age.

“The poll shows the community is becoming wise to alcohol industry tactics; from targeting young people, to influencing policy and failing to effectively self-regulate their advertising,” said Caterina Giorgi, director of policy and research at Fare.

“Alcohol is responsible for 15 deaths and 430 hospitalisations each day, and the majority of Australians want pubs, clubs and alcohol companies to pay for reducing these harms. It’s time the industry are held accountable for the harm their product causes.”

A further 65% want to see alcohol advertising banned on public transport, and 63% are in favour of outlawing alcohol advertising on television before 8.30pm.