A practice-based perspective on the new legislation by prevention workers and health promoters

Introduction

How do professional actors working with the changed Belgian law on alcohol consider the influence of this framework on their work? A qualitative method was used to take into consideration the views and opinions of prevention and health promotion professionals and key persons concerning the 2009 law, which fixes the minimum age limit for the use of beers and wine on 16 and for liquor on 18 years old.

Methodology

Eight Nominal Groups were organized according to the Nominal Group Technique (NGT). This NGT consists of five phases and combines quantitative and qualitative data collection methods and also yields data that can be analysed quantitatively and qualitatively (Vander Laenen, 2015). Qualitatively, a content analysis of the individual items was carried out. This enables themes to be constructed out of the individual items. Moreover, the ‘discussion’ sections of the procedure were analysed with a focus on statements regarding policy recommendations. The quantitative analysis provides priority to the opinions on the new legislation.

The central question was: In your profession, which advantages and disadvantages of the current Belgian alcohol legislation do you consider?

Results

The NGT provided practice based policy recommendations with regard to compliancy and enforcement, the legislative distinction between types of alcohol and age limits, communication, raising awareness, prevention and marketing and promotion.

Conclusions

The legal framework is insufficient to change moral standards towards alcohol, as it puts focus on younger age groups while the highest consumption is seen in older groups. The law is more stringent than societal attitudes. The focus must lie on attitude modification towards alcohol consumption.