The Alcohol Policy CoI is a designated online meeting space for substance misuse professionals and other stakeholders who have a specific interest in alcohol policy.  The primary focus of the Alcohol Policy CoI is to protect health and prevent harms related to alcohol use (including misuse and addiction) at a population level via the implementation of evidence-based interventions addressing the seven alcohol policy levers: Alcohol pricing and taxation, alcohol availability, restrictions on marketing, managing the drinking environment, drinking and driving countermeasures, education and persuasion, and treatment and early intervention.
 
Considering the ongoing privatization of alcohol sales, modernization of the Ontario Public Health Standards, public interest in emerging substances such as cannabis and opioids, and the anticipated release of the provincial Alcohol Strategy- now is a critical time for stakeholders to come together to comprehensively address alcohol policy in Ontario.  The Steering Committee consists of researchers, scientists, enforcement, physicians, journalism, a knowledge broker, and public health staff. 
 
Currently, the group is focusing on alcohol marketing and availability.  The group will be open for public membership at the end of September.  Prospective members can look forward to sharing their evidence-based alcohol policy work through the group’s online repository, connecting with others via discussion boards regarding relevant topics and events, and learning from non-public health professionals who are also working in alcohol policy.  Stay tuned for more information about this exciting group! 
 
For more information, please contact:
 
Hilary Cutler                                                  Howie Fruitman
Chair, Alcohol Policy CoI                              Knowledge Broker, EENet
Hilary.Cutler@healthunit.ca                          Howard.Fruitman@camh.ca