Analysis: A Critical Look at the Sale of Alcohol

The lens through which alcohol distribution policies are created and maintained can be connected to collectivism. The sale of alcohol in Ontario is characterized by a monopolized system which means that all alcohol is sold by the LCBO, The Beer Store, or private wineries (see blog entry “Methods of Sale of Alcohol”). This system is thought to ensure greater social control by limiting how and when alcohol may be obtained. In turn, this will impact behaviours and reduce the possibility of alcohol-related harm (Health Canada).

In this sense, what is best for the individual is best for all. Unhealthy patterns of alcohol consumption are seen as a problem that can be solved through the creation of policy to limit these behaviour patterns. This in turn is protecting the health of the greater community and its individuals. Therefore, it appears that this policy is grounded in a framework of health promotion and prevention which hold collectivist values.

According to Thomas of The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (2004), there are two ways to promote health and reduce social harms related to alcohol. First is a population health approach which targets overall drinking rates throughout the population. Second is a harm reduction approach which specifically targets individuals who show high-risk patterns of drinking. (http://www.nationalframeworkcadrenational.ca/detail_e.php?id_sub=6&id_top_sub=4)

The government’s monopolized sale of alcohol maximizes the effectiveness of these two methods. The LCBO website (www.lcbo.com) makes reference to its philosophies as “social strategies” illustrating the focus on addressing this issue from a social position. The 2006/2007 LCBO annual report also features a section called “Caring for the Community” which explains the programs and initiatives in place which illustrates a strong sense of protective collectivism (http://www.lcbo.com/aboutlcbo/annualreport2007.shtml). The impact of this policy and its respective values will soon be examined for its impact of the actual lives of individuals, the community, and other social policies.