This study found that the most methodologically sound evaluations of alcohol warning labels are based on the United States (U.S.) experience. Although these evaluations find little evidence that the introduction of the warning label in the U.S. had an impact on alcohol use behavior, there is evidence that they led to an increase in awareness of the message they contained. In contrast, evaluations of tobacco warning labels find clear evidence of effects on behavior.

There is a need and opportunity for a rigorous evaluation of the impacts of introducing alcohol warning labels to add to the published work on their effectiveness. The experience with tobacco labels might guide the way for more effective alcohol warning labels.

Author

Claire Wilkinson (email: clairew@turningpoint.org.au) and Robin Room

Citation

WILKINSON, C. and ROOM, R. (2009), Warnings on alcohol containers and advertisements: International experience and evidence on effects. Drug and Alcohol Review, 28: 426-435. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1465-3362.2009.00055.x

Source
Drug and Alcohol Review
Release date
06/07/2009

Warnings on Alcohol Containers and Advertisements: International Experience and Evidence on Effects

Abstract

Issues

In light of possible introduction of alcohol warning labels in Australia and New Zealand, this paper discusses the international experience with and evidence of effects of alcohol warning labels. 

Approach

The report describes international experience with providing information and warnings concerning the promotion or sale of alcoholic beverages, and considers the evidence on the effects of such information and warnings. The experience with and evaluations of the effects of tobacco warning labels are also considered. 

Key Findings

The most methodologically sound evaluations of alcohol warning labels are based on the United States (U.S.) experience. Although these evaluations find little evidence that the introduction of the warning label in the U.S. had an impact on alcohol use behavior, there is evidence that they led to an increase in awareness of the message they contained. In contrast, evaluations of tobacco warning labels find clear evidence of effects on behavior. 

Implications

There is a need and opportunity for a rigorous evaluation of the impacts of introducing alcohol warning labels to add to the published work on their effectiveness. The experience with tobacco labels might guide the way for more effective alcohol warning labels. 

Conclusion

Alcohol warning labels are an increasingly popular alcohol policy initiative. It is clear that warning labels can be ineffective, but the tobacco experience suggests that effective warning labels are possible. Any introduction of alcohol warning labels should be evaluated in terms of effects on attitudes and behavior.

Source Website: Wiley Online Library