Expert on alcohol policy changes

The following University of Victoria expert is available to discuss the health and safety risks associated with upcoming changes (April 1) to BC liquor laws, which include increased availability and changes to the pricing of alcohol.

Dr. Tim Stockwell (Director, Centre for Addictions Research BC) is an expert in alcohol-related research and policy designed to decrease illness, injury, disability and death. He can speak to CARBC studies that, consistent with international research findings, have confirmed that when prices decrease and availability increases, health problems from alcohol increase. The research provides evidence that drinkers respond to price changes and that pricing strategies are one of the most effective ways to reduce the more than 80,000 alcohol-related crimes, 22,875 hospital visits and 1,255 deaths (2012) from injuries and illnesses caused by alcohol in BC each year. (Dr. Stockwell is available during office hours beginning today at 3:30 p.m. by email at timstock@uvic.ca and office 250-472-5445 or cell 250-415-7376.)

Research and infographics available at: www.carbc.ca

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