Health Promotion International, Vol. 17, No. 2, 171-177,
June 2002
© Oxford University Press 2002
Booze and beach bans: turning the tide through community action in New Zealand
Alcohol & Public Health Research Unit, University of Auckland, New Zealand
Address for correspondence: Kim Conway Alcohol & Public Health Research Unit University of Auckland PB 92019 Auckland New Zealand E-mail: k.conway{at}auckland.ac.uk
Many beach and holiday resorts experience major problems with alcohol-related public disorder. Following an escalation in alcohol-related incidents in the New Zealand beach community of Piha, a community-driven response to address issues of community well-being and safety was initiated by concerned residents. A case study evaluation reported on the development of a community coalition involving community and statutory stakeholders and the successful implementation of local community action strategies. These included a beach alcohol ban, extensive local publicity and a community policing presence over successive summers. An examination of the case study suggests that inter-sectoral collaboration, and multiple level strategies through policy, promotion and enforcement activities are key factors in enabling communities to successfully reduce alcohol-related harm.
Key words: alcohol management strategies; alcohol-related harm/incidents; community collaboration and action; policing public alcohol; public disorder