Abstract
Using 1998 provincial survey data (n = 1,205), the authors examine responses to 7 items concerning public opinion on alcohol-related policy in Ontario. The purpose of the study is to get a sense of overall public opinion on certain topical policy-related measures and to see whether this opinion is predicted by demographic characteristics of respondents (sex, age and self-reported drinking pattern). Cross-tabulations of opinion items with demographic variables revealed strong majority support for the status quo with regard to number of liquor and beer stores, beer and liquor store hours, and prohibition of the sale of alcohol in corner stores. A somewhat less robust majority also supported the status quo for alcohol taxes and legal drinking age. Among the demographic groups, high-risk heavy drinkers stood out for their greater support of relaxation of controls and this finding was confirmed by means of logistic regression. The majority of all groups, except frequent bar-goers, liked the idea of warning labels on alcoholic beverage containers. The authors conclude that, according to these survey data, policy initiatives towards greater access to alcohol, such as extended liquor store hours and sale of alcohol in corner stores, are not mandated by the majority of the population of Ontario.
Résumé
En utilisant des données d’un sondage de 1998 (n = 1 205), les auteurs étudient en particulier les réponses à 7 questions ayant rapport à l’opinion publique sur la réglementation de l’alcool en Ontario. Le but de l’étude est d’évaluer l’opinion publique à l’égard des réglementations sur l’alcool en général, et de voir si on peut prédire cette opinion d’après les caractéristiques démographiques des répondants (le sexe, l’âge, le niveau de consommation). Les résultats montrent que la majorité préfère le statu quo quand il s’agit du nombre de brasseries et de marchands de vins et de spiritueux, des heures de vente, et de la vente de l’alcool aux épiceries. Une majorité moins forte préfère aussi le statu quo pour les taxes sur l’alcool et l’âge légal pour boire de l’alcool. Ce sont surtout les grands buveurs qui voudraient moins de restrictions de la disponibilité de ce produit. La plupart des répondants sont pour les étiquettes avertisseuses sur les conteneurs d’alcool, sauf les personnes qui fréquentent le plus les bars. Les auteurs tirent la conclusion que, d’après ces résultats, la population de l’Ontario, en général, ne soutient pas les initiatives pour augmenter la disponibilité de l’alcool dans cette province.
Footnotes
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.
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