Effects of Others’ Drinking as Perceived by Community Members

A 1994 survey of adults from a northern Ontario city contained questions about alcohol consumption, problems experienced as a result of others’ drinking, and opinions concerning solutions to such problems. The 180-question survey was administered to about 900 respondents, the vast majority of whom said they had consumed alcohol within the previous 12 months. At least one in five said they had been bothered by three types of experience caused by other drinkers: loudness, humiliation, and arguments. Young adults stood out as the group most likely to experience each type of problem caused by other drinkers. There was a robust level of support for most solutions proposed, with the exception of a city ban on drinking in indoor public places. The data suggest that comprehensive prevention efforts may be more effective than those focused on a single approach geared towards only one group or person.