We are developing a draft Alcohol Harm Prevention Policy, and we would like to hear from you.

The policy will update our Minimising the Harm from Alcohol Policy Statement 2016. We anticipate the full draft policy will be available for feedback in the first half of 2025.

According to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, alcohol is the most widely used drug in Australia. Research tells us that risky alcohol use is linked to higher rates of long-term harm like cancer or diabetes and to more immediate risks like accidents and injuries.

Our updated policy will adopt a public health approach, which aims to influence factors that contribute to increased incidence and risk of alcohol harm. These include the promotion of alcohol products and the alcohol industry in community settings, especially amongst vulnerable groups such as children and young people.

This survey aims to better understand the likely impacts of the draft policy on sporting clubs, events, and community organisations. We particularly want to understand the impact of any new policy commitments that would limit or prevent Council support for activities that include sponsorship or advertising of the following:

• Alcohol products – a specific product, typically with its own branding and target audience, e.g. Victoria Bitter
• Major alcohol manufacturers - companies based outside of Hobsons Bay that produce and promote multiple alcohol products, e.g. Carlton and United Breweries
• Packaged liquor outlets – retail stores where alcohol may be purchased for consumption off-site, e.g. Dan Murphy’s
• Alcohol home delivery services – companies that deliver alcohol products to customers to consume at home or at other locations, e.g. Jimmy Brings

The draft policy DOES NOT intend to extend proposed commitments relating to sponsorship or advertising to local manufacturers or licensed venues such as hotels, bars, restaurants.

The survey should take approximately five minutes to complete and is open until Friday 30 August 2024.

IMPORTANT: All responses to this survey are anonymous. Your responses will only be used to assess potential impacts of the draft policy. They WILL NOT be considered in any future applications for Council grants, casual hire agreements or event permits.