Changes in wastewater measures of alcohol consumption in Alice Springs, Australia, 1 year after the introduction of restrictions on alcohol sales.

Abstract

To evaluate changes in community consumption and wholesales of alcohol before and after alcohol restrictions were implemented in 2023, aimed at reducing alcohol-related crime and violence. Longitudinal observational study. Alice Springs, a regional town in the Northern Territory, Australia, from December 2019 to February 2024. The population of Alice Springs serviced by the wastewater treatment plant catchment, and wholesales data for Alice Springs. Community consumption of alcohol was measured by analysing a biomarker of alcohol consumption in wastewater before and after the alcohol restrictions were implemented. Quarterly alcohol wholesales for the region were also modelled. After the restrictions, alcohol consumption in Alice Springs immediately decreased, with an average 26% decrease over 12 months [95% confidence interval (CI) = -31 to -22%]. No statistically significant difference in trend slope was observed. The largest decreases in alcohol consumption were for Mondays and Tuesdays, when takeaway alcohol sales were not allowed. Total alcohol wholesales decreased by 17% (95% CI = -31 to -22%), with greatest meaningful declines of 44% for the sales of spirits (95% CI = -50 to -36%). After the implementation of the 2023 restrictions on alcohol sales in the Northern Territory, Australia, wastewater-based estimates of alcohol consumption in Alice Springs were statistically significantly reduced by 26% and this was sustained for one year until the end of the data series in 2024. Total alcohol wholesales were also reduced, with differences observed by beverage type.