Abstract
BackgroundReducing harm in drinking environments is a growing priority for European alcohol policy yet few studies have explored nightlife drinking behaviours. This study examines alcohol consumption and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in drinking environments in four European cities.MethodsA short questionnaire was implemented among 838 drinkers aged 16-35 in drinking environments in four European cities, in the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain and the UK. Questions included self-reported alcohol use before interview and expected consumption over the remainder of the night. Breathalyser tests were used to measured breath alcohol concentration (converted to BAC) at interview.ResultsMost participants in the Dutch (56.2%), Spanish (59.6%) and British (61.4%) samples had preloaded (cf Slovenia 34.8%). In those drinking < 3 h at interview, there were no differences in BAC by gender or nationality. In UK participants, BAC increased significantly in those who had been drinking longer, reaching 0.13% (median) in females and 0.17% in males drinking > 5 h. In other nationalities, BAC increases were less pronounced or absent. High BAC (> 0.08%) was associated with being male, aged > 19, British and having consumed spirits. In all cities most participants intended to drink enough alcohol to constitute binge drinking.ConclusionsDifferent models of drinking behaviour are seen in different nightlife settings. Here, the UK sample was typified by continued increases in inebriation compared with steady, more moderate intoxication elsewhere. With the former being associated with higher health risks, European alcohol policy must work to deter this form of nightlife.
Highlights
Reducing harm in drinking environments is a growing priority for European alcohol policy yet few studies have explored nightlife drinking behaviours
A greater proportion of males were surveyed in the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain, and younger samples obtained in Spain and the UK (Table 1)
This study has provided an examination of drinking behaviours and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) among young people in four European drinking environments
Summary
Reducing harm in drinking environments is a growing priority for European alcohol policy yet few studies have explored nightlife drinking behaviours. This study examines alcohol consumption and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in drinking environments in four European cities. The relationship between alcohol and injury is dose-responsive, with injury risks increasing with blood alcohol concentration (BAC) [6] and being acute for heavy episodic drinkers [7]. Studies show that heavy episodic drinking peaks in the late teenage years and early adulthood [8], with much alcohol use and harm in this age group taking place in public drinking environments [9]. Policy recommendations to reduce harm from alcohol both internationally and in Europe are focusing on managing drinking environments, including through regulation, enforcement, management policies for bars and nightclubs, bar staff training and care for intoxicated individuals [1]. There are currently little empirical data available on drinking behaviours in European drinking environments to inform such measures
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