Drunk and Disorganised: Relationships between Bar Characteristics and Customer Intoxication in European Drinking Environments

Preventing alcohol-related harm in drinking environments is a growing international priority. Factors relating to the physical, social and staffing environments in bars can contribute to increased alcohol consumption and harm. Understanding the relationships between such factors and intoxication in European drinking environments is critical to developing appropriate interventions. We undertook a quantitative observational study in 60 bars in four European cities, in The Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain and the UK (n = 237 observational visits). Using a structured observational schedule, researchers recorded characteristics of the bar environment and rated customer intoxication levels. All physical bar characteristics showed associations with intoxication before interactions between them were controlled for. Hierarchical modelling found significant independent associations between intoxication and use of plastic glassware, promotion of non-alcoholic drinks (often energy drinks), permissive environments, poor washroom facilities, the presence of a dance floor, customer sexual activity/competitiveness and later observational time. Findings suggest that prevention efforts should focus on raising and enforcing managerial standards in bars. While harm reduction measures such as plastic glassware are often promoted for high risk bars, such measures are inadequate to address public health concerns and insufficient to demonstrate social responsibility

Drinking behaviours and blood alcohol concentration in four European drinking environments: a cross-sectional study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Reducing harm in drinking environments is a growing priority for European alcohol policy yet few studies have explored nightlife drinking behaviours. This study examines alcohol consumption and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in drinking environments in four European cities.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A short questionnaire was implemented among 838 drinkers aged 16-35 in drinking environments in four European cities, in the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain and the UK. Questions included self-reported alcohol use before interview and expected consumption over the remainder of the night. Breathalyser tests were used to measured breath alcohol concentration (converted to BAC) at interview.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Most participants in the Dutch (56.2%), Spanish (59.6%) and British (61.4%) samples had preloaded (cf Slovenia 34.8%). In those drinking < 3 h at interview, there were no differences in BAC by gender or nationality. In UK participants, BAC increased significantly in those who had been drinking longer, reaching 0.13% (median) in females and 0.17% in males drinking > 5 h. In other nationalities, BAC increases were less pronounced or absent. High BAC (> 0.08%) was associated with being male, aged > 19, British and having consumed spirits. In all cities most participants intended to drink enough alcohol to constitute binge drinking.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Different models of drinking behaviour are seen in different nightlife settings. Here, the UK sample was typified by continued increases in inebriation compared with steady, more moderate intoxication elsewhere. With the former being associated with higher health risks, European alcohol policy must work to deter this form of nightlife.</p

Energy Security of Southern Europe Countries and Crude Oil Prices

This paper examines the development of oil prices in the last years and its impact on energy security of the southern Europe countries. The development of oil prices in the last years has a potential impact on all economies. Indeed the impact was positive for crude oil importing economies but in the other hand, negative impact on crude oil exporting economies. According to our analysis, the impact was positive on all southern Europe economies, regardless the scale of the impact. Off course the low crude oil prices improves the affordablity of energy supply, but for the energy security of southern Europe countries should be insured by other alternative energy resources, among them natural gas and renewable energy resources

Psicothema

Resumen tomado de la publicaciónInfluencia de la red de amigos en el comportamiento violento de jóvenes que frecuentan contextos recreativos nocturnos. Las redes de amigos de los jóvenes cuando salen a divertirse son importantes para la socialización, pero también influyen en sus conductas de riesgo. Se exploran dichas redes (7.360 amigos) en 1.363 jóvenes de 9 ciudades europeas en 2006, a través de 22 características de los amigos. Las redes desviantes están relacionadas, como se esperaba, a la violencia, el tabaquismo, el consumo de drogas ilegales y la embriaguez. Sin embargo, las redes que facilitan la socialización y proporcionan ayuda también están asociadas con una mayor facilidad en la participación en peleas, tabaquismo, uso de drogas ilegales -excepto cannabis- y emborracharse. No tener una red desviada y no tener una red que facilite la ayuda-socialización puede tener un efecto protector contra el tabaquismo, la violencia y el consumo de drogas ilegales, así como la protección de ex usuarios de la recaída. La cercanía a los amigos es también un factor de protección de la red. Una de las posibles razones por las que las redes que facilitan la socialización se relacionan con las peleas, drogas ilegales y la embriaguez es que estos comportamientos dentro de los contextos recreativos nocturnos son bien vistos, son en parte adaptativos y pro-sociales.AsturiasColegio Oficial de Psicólogos de Asturias; Calle Ildefonso Sánchez del Río, 4-1 B; 33001 Oviedo; Tel. +34985285778; Fax +34985281374;Universidad de Oviedo. Facultad de Psicología; Plaza Feijoo, s. n.; 33003 Oviedo; Tel. +34985104146; Fax +34985104126;ES