Not much to ask for, really! The introduction of standard drink labelling in Australia

An account is provided of the processes leading up to the introduction of standard drink labelling on all alcoholic beverage containers in Australia. The roles of research and advocacy in recommending the introduction of such labelling are analysed as is the resistance of some parts of the alcohol beverage industry. It is concluded that the success of this policy initiative derived from the carefully orchestrated campaign in which researchers co-operated with health advocates. The prior existence of nationally endorsed guidelines for safe drinking expressed in terms of standard drinks, recommendations of the National Health Policy on Alcohol and an accumulation of relevant research were crucial elements for success. However, the role played by some fortuitous circumstances cannot be ruled out.