Alcohol intoxication at Swedish football matches: A study using biological sampling to assess blood alcohol concentration levels among spectators

Abstract

Alcohol use and alcohol-related problems, including accidents, vandalism and violence, at sporting events are of increased concern in Sweden and other countries. The relationship between alcohol use and violence has been established and can be explained by the level of intoxication. Given the occurrence of alcohol use and alcohol-related problems at sporting events, research has assessed intoxication levels measured through biological sampling among spectators. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the level of alcohol intoxication among spectators at football matches in the Swedish Premier Football League. Spectators were randomly selected and invited to participate in the study. Alcohol intoxication was measured with a breath analyser for Blood Alcohol Concentration levels, and data on gender, age, and recent alcohol use were gathered through a face-to-face interview. Blood Alcohol Concentration samples from 4420 spectators were collected. Almost half (46.8%) had a positive Blood Alcohol Concentration level, with a mean value of 0.063%, while 8.9% had a Blood Alcohol Concentration level ≥ 0.1%, with a mean value of 0.135%. Factors that predicted a higher Blood Alcohol Concentration level included male gender (p = 0.005), lower age (p < 0.001), attending a local derby (p < 0.001), alcohol use prior to having entered the arena (p < 0.001), attending a weekend match (p < 0.001), and being a spectator at supporter sections (p < 0.001). About half of all spectators at football matches in the Swedish Premier Football League drink alcohol in conjunction with the match. Approximately one tenth have a high level of alcohol intoxication.

Underage alcohol sales in community sporting clubs

“…The feasibility of the current protocol as well as similar (e.g. ‘pseudo‐intoxicated’) protocols provides direction for increasing and broadening enforcement of licencing legislation by regulatory bodies. The findings also indicate the need for multi‐component, community‐based interventions that include community mobilisation, policy work, media advocacy as well as additional RSA education and training to promote more responsible alcohol cultures and ultimately a safer community sports environment.…”

“…Attending professional sporting events and affiliation with community sporting clubs are associated with high levels of alcohol consumption. Participation in sports also predicts higher levels of alcohol consumption among adolescents .…”

Overserving and Allowed Entry of Obviously Alcohol‐Intoxicated Spectators at Sporting Events

“…We have collected data on actual intoxication levels among spectators. Results reveal that approximately half of all spectators have consumed alcohol, and almost 1 of 10 spectators has a mean BAC of 0.135%, indicating severe intoxication (Durbeej et al, ). Based on our previously developed RBS program (Månsdotter et al., ; Trolldal et al., ; Wallin et al., , , ), we have developed a multicomponent community‐based alcohol prevention intervention, which will utilize an environmental approach at the local level (Durbeej et al., ).…”

Alcohol and illicit drug consumption and the association with risky sexual behaviour among Swedish youths visiting youth health clinics

“…Alcohol and illicit drug prevention is implemented at several levels in Swedish society: local, regional, and national. The research group Stockholm Prevents Alcohol and Drug Problems (STAD) develops, implements, and evaluates promising alcohol and illicit drug preventive interventions in a range of settings, for instance recreational venues ( Gripenberg Abdon, Wallin, & Andréasson, 2011 ; Wallin, Gripenberg, & Andreasson, 2002 ), sports arenas ( Durbeej, Elgan, Jalling, & Gripenberg, 2017 ), and primary healthcare ( Wåhlin & Andreasson, 2015 ). STAD works continuously to identify new arenas for preventive interventions with the aim of reaching risk groups.…”