The Policy Data Base

• Policies can be implemented on-campus or in the community.
• Policies can target the drinker, the supplier or the community.
• Policy goal may be age-based zero tolerance or harm reduction.
• There may be a gap between written and practiced policies.

Drinker targeted laws:

• State-level 0.08 per se BAC for driving.
• Zero tolerance for underage drinking and driving (0.02 per se BAC).
• Graduated licenses.
• Fake ID.
• Purchase of alcohol illegal for persons under the minimum legal drinking age (MLDA).
• Possession of alcohol illegal for persons under the minimum legal drinking age (MLDA).
• Consumption of alcohol illegal for persons under the minimum legal drinking age (MLDA).
• Laws restricting open alcohol containers in public spaces.

Supplier targeted laws:

• Keg registration.
• Child endangerment.
• Posting of warning signs where alcohol is sold.
• Illegal to sell to youth.
• Minimum age of 21 years for seller.
• Dram shop (social host).
• Restrictions on closing time.
• Restrictions on happy hours.
• Restrictions on low price sales.
• Restrictions on pitcher sales.
• Ban on home delivery of alcohol.
• Require responsible beverage server training.

Community targeted laws:

• Event licenses required.
• Billboard and sign controls.
• Restrictions on open assembly.
• Restrictions on alcohol use in certain areas (e.g., public parks).
• Dry community (sales prohibited).

For more information on alcohol policies enacted in your area, please visit the NIAAA Alcohol Policy Information System website.

For more information on the evidence supporting these policy initiatives, please refer to the report "Preventing Problems Related to Alcohol Availability: An Environmental Approach on the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration website.