Strategies and outcomes in translating alcohol harm reduction research into practice: the Alcohol Linking Program

Harm associated with consumption of alcohol on licensed premises is an issue of community concern. Interventions to reinforce responsible sale of alcohol such as server training and accords between licensees, police and health advocates are well known. However, while generally supported by police and licensees as 'a good thing', evaluations demonstrating that they reduce alcohol-related harm are rare. Lack of enforcement is often an issue. This paper reports on system intervention to enhance police enforcement of liquor laws by providing data-based feedback to police and licensees about alcohol-related crime following drinking on specific licensed premises. The system has been shown to contribute to a reduction of alcohol-related crime and has been adopted into routine practice by NSW police state-wide. It is a good example of how research can be conducted in a way that bridges the gap between policy research and policy practice.