Socio-economic status was related independently to drinking patterns and there were indications that SES interacted differently with the different dimensions of drinking (quantity and frequency). For the most part, socio-economic status was not related independently to the experience of alcohol-related consequences once drinking patterns were accounted for. It was the lower-to-average SES groups that were at greater risk for drinking heavier quantities compared to other SES groups in the population.

Cross-sectional data from a general population sample suggest that there is a relationship between exposure to heavy drinkers and reduced personal wellbeing and poorer health status. Exposure to heavy drinkers may have negative impacts for others.

Alcohol outlet density was associated with quantities consumed among teenage drinkers in this study, as was neighbourhood deprivation. Supply by family, friends and others also predicted quantities consumed among underage drinkers and both social supply and self-reported purchase were associated with frequency of drinking and drunkenness. The ethnic status of young people also had an effect on consumption.

Population-based surveys using the methodology outlined in this article may account for, if not exceed, the high proportions of taxable alcohol available for consumption estimates for some populations.

Introduction and AimsGender and age patterns of drinking are important in guiding country responses to harmful use of alcohol. This study undertook cross‐country analysis of drinking across gender, age groups in some high‐and middle‐income countries.Design and MethodsSurveys of drinkers were conducted in Australia, England, Scotland, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis (high‐income), Thailand, South Africa, Mongolia and Vietnam (middle‐income) as part of the International Alcohol Control Study. Drinking pattern measures were high‐frequency, heavier‐typical quantity and higher‐risk drinking. Differences in the drinking patterns across age and gender groups were calculated. Logistic regression models were applied including a measure of country‐level income.ResultsPercentages of high‐frequency, heavier‐typical quantity and higher‐risk drinking were greater among men than in women in all countries. Older age was associated with drinking more frequently but smaller typical quantities especially in high‐income countries. Middle‐income countries overall showed less frequent but heavier typical quantities; however, the lower frequencies meant the percentages of higher risk drinkers were lower overall compared with high‐income countries (with the exception of South Africa).Discussion and ConclusionsHigh‐frequency drinking was greater in high‐income countries, particularly in older age groups. Middle‐income countries overall showed less frequent drinking but heavier typical quantities. As alcohol use becomes more normalised as a result of the expansion of commercial alcohol it is likely frequency of drinking will increase with a likelihood of greater numbers drinking at higher risk levels.

In a policy arena in which the interest groups and stakeholders have different perceptions of appropriate policy responses to alcohol-related harm, a robust methodology to assess the impact of policy will contribute to the debate.

Beer, wine, and distilled spirits are alcohol-based commodities that are bought and sold in the marketplace. But alcohol is also a drug with toxic effects and other intrinsic dangers such as intoxication and dependence. This chapter examines these different aspects of alcoholic beverages, paying special attention to the contrast between alcohol’s dual role as a commodity and as a drug. Alcohol exacts enormous costs, both financial and personal, not only from individual drinkers, but also from the people and institutions that surround them. Like tobacco and other harmful commodities, alcohol has the potential to cause harm in multiple ways.

Introduction This paper aimed to assess purchasing and drinking behaviour during the first COVID‐19 pandemic restrictions in New Zealand. Method A convenience sample was collected via Facebook from 2173 New Zealanders 18+ years during pandemic restrictions April/May 2020. Measures included: the quantity typically consumed during a drinking occasion and heavier drinking (6+ drinks on a typical occasion) in the past week; place of purchase including online alcohol delivery. Descriptive statistics were generated, logistic and linear regression models predicted heavier drinking and typical occasion quantity, respectively. Weighting was not applied. Results During pandemic restrictions, around 75% of respondents purchased from supermarkets, 40% used online alcohol delivery services (18% for the first time during COVID‐19). Purchasing online alcohol delivery during pandemic restrictions was associated with heavier drinking (75% higher odds) in the past week, while purchasing from supermarkets was not. About 58% of online purchasers under 25 reported no age checks. Sixteen percent of those purchasing online repeat ordered online to keep drinking after running out. Of respondents who had tried to buy alcohol and food online, 56% reported that alcohol was easier to get delivered than fresh food. Advertising for online alcohol delivery was seen by around 75% of the sample. Half of the sample reported drinking more alcohol during the restrictions. Discussion and Conclusions Online alcohol delivery during the COVID‐19 pandemic restrictions was associated with heavier drinking in the past week. The rapid expansion of online alcohol delivery coupled with a lack of regulatory control requires public health policy attention.