The Scottish Executive has set targets for reducing alcohol misuse and has set up the
Scottish Advisory Committee on Alcohol Misuse (SACAM) (The Scottish Office, 1999).
SACAM’s remit is “to advise the Scottish Executive on policy, priorities and strategic
planning in relation to tackling alcohol misuse in Scotland”. SACAM brings together key
interests in health, education, social work, the police, health promotion, the voluntary sector
and representatives of the licensed trade and drinks industry. The Scottish Executive and
SACAM are working together to develop a Plan for Action for Alcohol Misuse. This report
has been commissioned by SACAM to provide information on the evidence available about
the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of alternative measures to reduce alcohol misuse and,
hence, to inform the Plan for Action for Alcohol Misuse.