Understanding risk-based licensing schemes for alcohol outlets: A key informant perspective

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Alcohol Policy
• Criminology

Background:

• Risk-based alcohol licensing (RBL) aims to mitigate harms associated with alcohol outlets.
• RBL tailors licensing fees and monitoring based on venue characteristics like hours, size, and compliance history.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document key informant perspectives on the purpose and implementation of RBL.
• To understand informant perceptions of RBL's active ingredients and effectiveness.

Main Methods:

• Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 28 key informants.
• Participants included policymakers, licensing representatives, council members, police, licensees, academics, and community advocates.
• Transcripts were analyzed using a thematic approach.

Main Results:

• Informants held varied views on RBL's success in reducing alcohol-related harm.
• Enforcement challenges, legislative loopholes, and the need to include off-licence venues were identified as major shortfalls.
• Outlet density emerged as a crucial factor for risk assessment.

Conclusions:

• RBL schemes are jurisdiction-specific and vary in their emphasis.
• Current RBL implementation appears to have minimal preventive effect.
• Enhanced monitoring and deterrent penalties are suggested for improved effectiveness.