Workplace alcohol policies--are Scottish health boards exemplar employers?

The NHS in Scotland has been set the target of reducing the proportion of people drinking beyond the safe limits of alcohol by 20% by the year 2000. Much emphasis has been placed on development of local initiatives, including workplace alcohol policies, and guidelines were issued in 1989. In 1992 all Scottish health boards were asked for a copy of their policy and 13/15 replied (87%); 12 had policies (one in draft form only), and one did not have a policy. All regarded alcohol problems as a health issue and set out the procedures that managers should follow. However, only four addressed the use of alcohol on health board premises, and only one expressly banned drinking prior to duty and during breaks. Only four policies acknowledged the need to educate the employees about alcohol, and only three stated that the policy's effectiveness would be evaluated. This review of workplace alcohol policies shows that most Scottish health boards are not exemplar employers, and raises doubts as to whether the national target on alcohol consumption will be achieved.