Alcohol use is a major public health problem in Bhutan. Compliance with regulations at point of sales is an important strategy in alcohol control. Retail outlets were briefed on sales regulations and provided notification with rules and directed to display in the premises. The extent to which licensed alcohol outlets responded to possible alcohol purchase was assessed through the use of young proxy‐purchasers, adults feigning alcohol intoxicated and sober adults. A total of 854 visits (pre versus post visits) were made across four district towns. Two towns (Damphu town in Tsirang district and Pema Gatshel town in Pema Gatshel district) received pre- and post-intervention purchase surveys while other two neighboring towns (Khuruthang town in Punakha and Bajo town in Wangdue) were administered only baseline surveys.
Results: Retailers rarely checked the age and/or identification (ID) of the proxy‐purchasers before the intervention. There was 22.7% (8.6, 37) percent increase in compliance with laws after the intervention. While some strategies are suggested, the strongest and most effective measure to prevent under‐age drinking and over service to intoxicated, more rigorous enforcement of existing liquor laws are required.
Conclusion: Alcohol control requires ongoing government enforcements supplemented by public awareness and knowledge.
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No competing interests reported.
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Posted 10 Mar, 2021
Received 29 Mar, 2021
On 21 Mar, 2021
On 21 Mar, 2021
On 21 Mar, 2021
Invitations sent on 18 Mar, 2021
On 18 Mar, 2021
On 18 Mar, 2021
On 18 Mar, 2021
On 07 Mar, 2021
Posted 10 Mar, 2021
Received 29 Mar, 2021
On 21 Mar, 2021
On 21 Mar, 2021
On 21 Mar, 2021
Invitations sent on 18 Mar, 2021
On 18 Mar, 2021
On 18 Mar, 2021
On 18 Mar, 2021
On 07 Mar, 2021
Alcohol use is a major public health problem in Bhutan. Compliance with regulations at point of sales is an important strategy in alcohol control. Retail outlets were briefed on sales regulations and provided notification with rules and directed to display in the premises. The extent to which licensed alcohol outlets responded to possible alcohol purchase was assessed through the use of young proxy‐purchasers, adults feigning alcohol intoxicated and sober adults. A total of 854 visits (pre versus post visits) were made across four district towns. Two towns (Damphu town in Tsirang district and Pema Gatshel town in Pema Gatshel district) received pre- and post-intervention purchase surveys while other two neighboring towns (Khuruthang town in Punakha and Bajo town in Wangdue) were administered only baseline surveys.
Results: Retailers rarely checked the age and/or identification (ID) of the proxy‐purchasers before the intervention. There was 22.7% (8.6, 37) percent increase in compliance with laws after the intervention. While some strategies are suggested, the strongest and most effective measure to prevent under‐age drinking and over service to intoxicated, more rigorous enforcement of existing liquor laws are required.
Conclusion: Alcohol control requires ongoing government enforcements supplemented by public awareness and knowledge.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
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