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Sunday, February 8, 2009

Low alcohol alternatives: A promising strategy for reducing alcohol related harm
International J Drug Policy Volume 20, Issue 2, Pages 183-187 (March 2009)
Less than 1% of the beer market in British Columbia comprises beers with an alcohol content below 4%, despite the success of low alcohol beers in other countries, e.g. Australia.
A small experimental study is described in which male students were given either unmarked low alcohol beer (3.8%) or regular strength beer (5.3%) to investigate their enjoyment and subjective intoxication..
We conclude beer drinkers cannot readily distinguish low and regular strength beers and can enjoy socializing equally with either. We recommend taxation strategies to create incentives for the manufacture, marketing and consumption of low alcohol alternatives.
Request Reprint E-Mail: dsegal@uvic.ca
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