FINANCIAL SAVINGS
A Canadian study estimates alcohol intervention programs could save 880 lives and US$1 billion
every year.
MORTALITY

• A 10% decline in vodka sales resulted in a significant decrease in alcohol-related deaths in Russia in one year.
• Exercising, drinking less alcohol, eating fruits and vegetables, and not smoking extends life expectancy by 14 years.
• The World Health Organization finds that alcohol policies including increased taxation, reducing the number of days alcohol is available, limiting the hours alcohol is available, and raising the drinking age are all effective tools for reducing the harm done by alcohol.  Specifically:
  • Increasing alcohol taxes 10% in the European Union would save 9,000 lives in a year.
  • Prohibiting European Union alcohol sales 1 day a week could avoid 123,000 years of disability and loss due to early death.

CANCER
A World Cancer Research Fund study finds reducing meat and alcohol consumption decreases cancer risk.

OTHER ILLNESSES

• The brain’s regeneration and performance are increased once alcohol consumption ceases
• Alcoholic hepatitis patients can gain complete recovery if the patient gives up alcohol and has a good diet.
• Bodybuilding.com states that bodybuilders who refrain from alcohol consumption experience benefits in terms of muscle gain, hydration, recovery, metabolism and mental focus.
• California State University (CSU) at Fresno, USA found that banning alcohol sales in public areas of athletic events resulted in a more family-friendly atmosphere.
• Following a community alcohol ban in Barrow, Alaska, USA, prenatal alcohol consumption decreased by over 30 percent.
• The website health.com reports that the benefits of an alcohol-free life include:
  • Better relationships with friends and family
  • Freedom to spend money and time on other things
  • Improved work situation and relations with colleagues relations avec les collègues
  • Better mental health
  • Making friends who are involved in life-affirming activities
• A group of former alcohol drinkers in an online forum shared the following observations on the benefits of an alcohol-free lifestyle:
  • Better health
  • More quality free time
  • More money
  • More fun time with the kids
  • Increased confidence and self respect
  • Greater appreciation of life

SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS

• After several Cambridgeshire, UK towns established alcohol bans in public places, local people noticed their improved atmosphere.
• A New Zealand liquor ban resulted in 98% less liquor offenses as well as a reduction in other crimes.
• When the Blackfeet Native American Reservation banned alcohol sales during the annual North American Indian Days, they found the following improvements four weeks later:
  • Zero traffic accidents involving Blackfeet
  • Zero arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol
  • 64% fewer disturbances reported to police
  • 44% fewer assaults
  • 75% fewer people treated at the hospital
  • 2525% fewer arraignments for disorderly conduct, public intoxication or possession of an open container of alcohol.
• An alcohol ban imposed in USA’s Barton and Carver Parks replaces unruly behavior with calm.
• Greater Shepparton City, Australia prohibits alcohol during the auto show Spring Nats 12 due to create a more peaceful and enjoyable atmosphere.
• Research in New Mexico, USA shows that Sunday bans on alcohol sales resulted in fewer collisions and traffic casualties.
• Alcohol-related crimes drop by 15% following an alcohol ban in Aberystwyth, UK.
• An alcohol ban becomes permanent on the jetty area of Coffs Harbour City, Australia, due to its success in reducing crime.
• An alcohol ban at Kinkaid Lake in the US resulted in zero swimming fatalities, fewer serious boating accidents and reduced crime.

YOUTH

• Officials reported a decrease in vandalism following an alcohol ban on the US University of Oklahoma campus.
• In the US state of Florida, raising the legal drinking age from 18 to 21 significantly reduced auto accident-related fatalities.
• A voluntary ban of alcohol sales to youth under 21 in the UK’s Marske village is made permanent as crime and anti-social behavior is reduced.
• An alcohol ban in US colleges helps overall alcohol abstention and reduces bouts of drunkenness and secondhand effects of drinking.