Abstract
BackgroundAlcohol-related harms are a major public health concern, and population-level interventions are needed to reduce excessive alcohol consumption. Glass shape is an easily modifiable target for public health intervention. Laboratory findings show beer is consumed slower from a straight glass compared to a curved glass, but these findings have not been replicated in a naturalistic setting. The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial investigating the effect of glass shape on alcohol consumption in public houses.MethodsStraight and curved half-pint and pint glasses were delivered to three public houses over two weekends. Glass type was counterbalanced over the two weekends and between the public houses. Monetary takings were recorded as an indirect measure of consumption.ResultsReplacing stocks of glassware in public houses was feasible and can be enacted in a short space of time. One landlord found the study too disruptive, possibly due to a laborious exchange of glassware and complaints about the new glassware from some customers. One public house’s dishwasher could not accommodate the supplied curved full-pint glasses. Obtaining monetary takings from public house staff was a feasible and efficient way of measuring consumption, although reporting absolute amounts may be commercially sensitive. Monetary takings were reduced by 24 % (95 % confidence interval 77 % reduction to 29 % increase) when straight glasses were used compared to curved glasses.ConclusionsThis study shows that it is feasible to carry out a trial investigating glass shape in a naturalistic environment, although a number of challenges were encountered. Brewery owners and landlords are willing to engage with public health research in settings where alcohol is consumed, such as public houses. Good communication with stakeholders was vital to acquire good data, and highlighting the potential commercial benefits of participating was vital to the study’s success. A full scale evaluation of the effects of glass shape on alcohol consumption could inform local and national policy.
Highlights
Alcohol-related harms are a major public health concern, and population-level interventions are needed to reduce excessive alcohol consumption
By altering the environments within which people make choices, choice architecture interventions allow for behaviour to be influenced at the population level [10]
Choice architecture interventions which can be embedded within microenvironments where alcohol consumption occurs are likely to be effective, given the extremely wide potential reach of such interventions
Summary
Alcohol-related harms are a major public health concern, and population-level interventions are needed to reduce excessive alcohol consumption. Troy et al Pilot and Feasibility Studies (2015) 1:27 and/or the properties or placement of objects or stimuli within a micro-environment in an attempt to prompt healthier behaviours Interventions of this type do not coerce, or prohibit any action, on the part of the individual. Choice architecture interventions have been directed at changing alcohol use in only a limited number of studies (7.3 % of studies in a recent review [10]). These studies focused on the effect of altering the ambience and functional design of drinking venues. While applying health warning labels to alcohol beverages in the US has resulted in greater awareness of alcohol-related harms, the impact on drinking behaviour has been minimal [19]
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