The role of local governments
Any amount of alcohol use carries health risks not just for individuals, but for the whole community. Alcohol is linked to car crashes, drownings, increased health-care spending and policing costs, intimate partner violence and lost productivity, to name a few.
Any reduction in alcohol use lowers the risks to personal and community health and safety. The key to fostering a culture of moderation is a supportive and healthy built community environment.
Although the primary responsibility for health services in the province rests with the Province of B.C. and local health authorities, local governments have the potential to significantly affect the health and well-being of citizens at the community level.
Every year, councils and boards make thousands of important decisions about community planning, programs, policies and partnerships that affect their residents.
Municipalities and regional districts are uniquely situated to influence how, where and when alcohol is made available – directly affecting health. While alcohol has a unique and prominent role in our economy and social fabric, health-conscious alcohol policies can effectively reduce harm without limiting local business vitality.
