Implementing a public health objective for alcohol premises licensing in Scotland: a qualitative study of strategies, values and, perceptions of evidence

Fitzgerald, N., Nicholls, J., Winterbottom, J. and Katikireddi, S. (2017) Implementing a public health objective for alcohol premises licensing in Scotland: a qualitative study of strategies, values and, perceptions of evidence. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(3), 221. (doi: 10.3390/ijerph14030221) (PMID:28241512) (PMCID:PMC5369057)

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Abstract

The public health objective for alcohol premises licensing, established in Scotland in 2005, is unique globally. We explored how public health practitioners engaged with the licensing system following this change, and what helped or hindered their efforts. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 public health actors, audio-recorded, and analysed using an inductive framework approach. Many interviewees viewed the new objective as synonymous with reducing population-level alcohol consumption; however, this view was not always shared by licensing actors, some of whom did not accept public health as a legitimate goal of licensing, or prioritised economic development instead. Some interviewees were surprised that the public health evidence they presented to licensing boards did not result in their hoped-for outcomes; they reported that licensing officials did not always understand or value health data or statistical evidence. While some tried to give “impartial” advice to licensing boards, this was not always easy; others were clear that their role was one of “winning hearts and minds” through relationship-building with licensing actors over time. Notwithstanding the introduction of the public health objective, there remain significant, and political, challenges in orienting local premises licensing boards towards decisions to reduce the availability of alcohol in Scotland.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Katikireddi, Professor Vittal
Authors: Fitzgerald, N., Nicholls, J., Winterbottom, J., and Katikireddi, S.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
Journal Name:International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Publisher:MDPI
ISSN:1661-7827
ISSN (Online):1660-4601
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2017 The Authors
First Published:First published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 14(3): 221
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
699162Understanding the impacts of welfare policy on health: A novel data linkage studySrinivasa KatikireddiScottish Executive Health Department (SEHHD-CSO)SCAF/15/02IHW - MRC/CSO SPHU
727651SPHSU Core Renewal: Measuring and Analysing Socioeconomic Inequalities in Health Research ProgrammeAlastair LeylandMedical Research Council (MRC)MC_UU_12017/13IHW - MRC/CSO SPHU
727671SPHSU Core Renewal: Informing Healthy Public Policy Research ProgrammePeter CraigMedical Research Council (MRC)MC_UU_12017/15IHW - MRC/CSO SPHU