Alcohol at public events

The management of alcohol consumption at public events is an important part of reducing alcohol-related harm.

Although many large events may pass with few or no alcohol-related problems, others can cause significant harm. [1] Events such as horse-race meetings, cricket and rugby (and league matches), and music festivals may be particularly problematic.

Factors associated with problems at public events

Alcohol-related problems may be due to:

• inadequate alcohol control and management by security staff
• the ability to purchase many drinks at a time
• inexperienced bar staff untrained in responsible alcohol service
• no or little promotion of low and non-alcoholic drinks
• and a lack of monitoring and enforcement of the law on intoxication.

Many of the factors commonly associated with risky drinking and violence (e.g. a permissive environment, a large proportion of young males, and crowding) are also often present at sporting and other events where alcohol is available. [2] 

In particular, university student sports fans have been found to drink more alcohol, be more likely to engage in binge drinking, and be more likely to report alcohol-related problems than students who are not sports fans. [3]

Aggressive behaviour is more frequent in drunken crowds compared with sober crowds, and intoxicated crowds display greater levels of violence as crowd size (i.e. density) increases. [4]

Events may be attended by young people and children

It is also very important to keep in mind the protection of young people and children at large events where alcohol is sold. There should be procedures in place to protect young people at such events.

References

[1] Earl et al 2004

[2] Single & McKenzie 1991

[3] Nelson & Wechsler 2003

[4]​Moore et al 2008