Key policymakers worldwide have singled out increased education about alcohol as their top priority for the future, according to a global survey by the International Center for Alcohol Policies (ICAP).
The survey also found that governments worldwide view underage drinking as the number one challenge confronting them. It also found that drink-driving legislation is the most common alcohol policy measure globally.
While nations with emerging and mature markets have similar concerns about challenges, the survey found some marked differences in priorities.
In mature markets, 88 per cent of respondents cite underage drinking as the top priority, followed by public education on alcohol, regulation and enforcement, and prevention and treatment, each cited by 75 per cent of respondents.
In emerging markets, the four major concerns are regulation and enforcement, cited by 88 per cent, underage drinking (78 per cent), public education (72 per cent), and alcoholism (63 per cent).
Respondents were evenly divided in their views of the beverage alcohol industry as a viable partner in alcohol policy development, with 50 per cent in favor of such partnerships and 50 per cent opposed.
"The survey points out that the alcohol beverage industry needs to do more to engage in constructive dialogue with those who make alcohol policy," Mr Marcus Grant, ICAP president, said.
The ICAP is a nonprofit policy research organization that seeks to foster global partnerships between the public and private sectors in alcohol policy.
"At the same time, it demonstrates that there is ample common ground to develop joint partnerships aimed at public education on alcohol-related issues," he added.