The effect of price increases on predicted alcohol purchasing decisions and choice to substitute

Hobday, Michelle; Gordon, Elise; Lensvelt, Eveline; Meuleners, Lynn; Liang, Wenbin; Chikritzhs, Tanya

doi:10.3109/16066359.2016.1155563

Cited by 5 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…The headline finding was that mass switching from alcohol to illegal drugs was thought to be an unlikely consequence of MPA. Consistent with other research findings, alcohol was perceived to be a clear drug of choice for most drinkers and therefore any switching would be from one alcohol to another ( Doran & DiGiusto, 2011 ; Hobday et al, 2016 ; Muller et al, 2010 ). Where substance switching might occur, it was felt to be to drugs that mimic the effects of alcohol, such as benzodiazepines, or possibly to cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 86%

Adapting existing behaviour: Perceptions of substance switching and implementation of minimum pricing for alcohol in Wales

Livingston

Holloway

May

et al. 2020

Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs

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Aim: Minimum Pricing for Alcohol (MPA) was enacted in Wales on March 2nd 2020. During the legislative process (i.e. consultation and parliamentary discussion), concern was expressed about the possibility of some drinkers switching to using other substances in response to any rise in the cost of alcohol. This paper reports on findings from a study which explored these pre-implementation concerns and how the policy was shaped. Method: The research involved surveys (n=193) and interviews (n=87) with drinkers (predominantly harmful or treatment seeking) and providers of services. Survey responses were detailed, thus when combined with the interviews, provided a wealth of qualitative data, which are drawn upon in this paper. Results: The findings highlight an expectation that most drinkers would respond to the new policy with adaptations of their coping mechanisms to maintain alcohol use at pre-legislative levels. This was either by switching alcohol products and adjusting their lifestyle to maintain an affordable drinking habit or developing new behaviours to manage additional costs. A small group of those with previous experience of drug use were identified as likely to switch from using alcohol to some other substances. Conclusions: Prior to the legislation being implemented awareness of the detail of the policy was found to be low, and the perceptions of increased potential harm for certain groups, including switching, were linked to concern about a lack of treatment capacity.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 86%

Adapting existing behaviour: Perceptions of substance switching and implementation of minimum pricing for alcohol in Wales

Livingston

Holloway

May

et al. 2020

Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs

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“… 1 This applies to alcohol. 2–4 An increase in alcohol retail price corresponds with a reduction in alcohol consumption and alcohol-related health harms. 5–8 The evidence for this relationship between alcohol retail price and the demand for alcohol is mostly derived from studies examining variations in alcohol retail price over time.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Alcohol affordability: implications for alcohol price policies. A cross-sectional analysis in middle and older adults from UK Biobank

Moore

Orpen

Smith

et al. 2021

Journal of Public Health

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Background Increasing the price of alcohol reduces alcohol consumption and harm. The role of food complementarity, transaction costs and inflation on alcohol demand are determined and discussed in relation to alcohol price policies. Methods UK Biobank (N = 502,628) was linked by region to retail price quotes for the years 2007 to 2010. The log residual food and alcohol prices, and alcohol availability were regressed onto log daily alcohol consumption. Model standard errors were adjusted for clustering by region. Results Associations with alcohol consumption were found for alcohol price (β = −0.56, 95% CI, −0.92 to −0.20) and availability (β = 0.06, 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.07). Introducing, food price reduced the alcohol price consumption association (β = −0.26, 95% CI, −0.50 to −0.03). Alcohol (B = 0.001, 95% CI, 0.0004 to 0.001) and food (B = 0.001, 95% CI, 0.0005 to 0.0006) price increased with time and were associated (ρ = 0.57, P < 0.001). Conclusion Alcohol and food are complements, and the price elasticity of alcohol reduces when the effect of food price is accounted for. Transaction costs did not affect the alcohol price consumption relationship. Fixed alcohol price policies are susceptible to inflation.

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“…Alcohol marketing plays a significant role in determining brand-specific consumption either on a temporary or permanent basis (Casswell, 2004; Hobday et al, 2016), which was found in this study. Some participants’ brand liking and preferences were influenced by the television advertising they saw.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 63%

“…Roberts et al (2016) also reported a similar result because underage drinkers did not consume the cheapest available brands. Furthermore, an Australian study reported that a 50% rise in the price of preferred brands encouraged alcohol users to switch to cheaper brands that they consumed heavily (Hobday et al, 2016). In New Zealand, Casswell (2004) commented that 'Barcardi Breezer' was consumed despite its relatively high price over other similar products.…”

Section: Brand Preference Among People Who Use Alcoholmentioning

confidence: 99%

Navigating Alcogenic Brand Environment: Exploring How Young Nigerians Negotiate and Make Sense of Alcohol Brand Preferences

Dumbili

Uwa-Robinson

2022

Journal of Drug Issues

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No previous research has examined how and why Nigerians choose their alcohol brands. Using qualitative data, this study explored brand preference and the reasons for brand choice among 18 to 24 year-old Nigerians who use alcohol. Participants were divided into three categories based on their beer, spirit, and wine preferences. While most men preferred beer and spirits, many women chose traditional and recently developed flavoured beers and spirit-based drinks, which the alcohol industry promotes as women-friendly alcoholic drinks. Some participants chose low-strength brands to avoid heavy drinking and intoxication, while others preferred high-strength brands for immediate bodily thrills/intoxication. Some participants preferred expensive brands to cheaper beverages to construct social identity and portray an affluent lifestyle, while others used the consumption of ‘foreign’ or uncommon brands to enact distinction. Alcohol advertising and peer influence significantly impacted brand awareness and preferences. Interventions should focus on reducing alcohol/brand availability and accessibility in Nigeria.

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The effect of price increases on predicted alcohol purchasing decisions and choice to substitute

Cited by 5 publications

References 24 publications

Adapting existing behaviour: Perceptions of substance switching and implementation of minimum pricing for alcohol in Wales

Adapting existing behaviour: Perceptions of substance switching and implementation of minimum pricing for alcohol in Wales

Alcohol affordability: implications for alcohol price policies. A cross-sectional analysis in middle and older adults from UK Biobank

Navigating Alcogenic Brand Environment: Exploring How Young Nigerians Negotiate and Make Sense of Alcohol Brand Preferences

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