The role of alcohol providers in prevention: an evaluation of a server intervention programme

Server intervention is a relatively new approach in the attempt to reduce the incidence of drinking and driving. Although a number of evaluations have suggested that the approach may be effective, there have been few comprehensive evaluations of such programmes. The present study utilized process evaluation techniques to assess reactions to a programme developed by the Addiction Research Foundation, and a quasi-experimental design to determine the impact of the programme on the serving practices of servers. Actors portrayed behaviours often faced by servers, and observers rated the reactions of the servers, who were unaware of the simulations, to these situations. The programme appears to have been effective in changing behaviour, in that trained servers exhibited less inappropriate responses than did untrained servers. In addition the results suggested that the programme increased servers' knowledge about their obligations and potential strategies for dealing with these situations. The implications of these findings for future implementations of such programmes are discussed.