Decline in Alcohol Consumption in Estonia: Combined Effects of Strengthened Alcohol Policy and Economic Downturn

摘要

Aims: To describe alcohol policy changes in parallel to consumption changes in 2005–2010 in Estonia, where alcohol consumption is among the highest in Europe. Methods: Review of pertinent legislation and literature. Results: Alcohol consumption decreased since 2008, while alcohol excise tax, sales time restrictions and ad bans have increased since 2005. An economic downturn started in 2008. Conclusion: The precise roles of policy changes and the economic downturn in the decline of alcohol consumption, and whether the decrease will be sustained, are still unclear.