Alcohol - effective drug regulation model according to Tony Blair (National Alcohol Strategy for England):

Costs and benefits:
"Millions of us enjoy drinking alcohol with few, if any, ill effects. Indeed moderate drinking can bring some health benefits. But, increasingly, alcohol misuse by a small minority is causing two major, and largely distinct, problems: on the one hand crime and antisocial behaviour in town and city centres, and on the other harm to health as a result of binge- and chronic drinking. The Strategy Unit’s analysis last year showed that alcohol-related harm is costing around £20bn a year, and that some of the harms associated with alcohol are getting worse".

Aim of regulation to minimise costs while maximising benefits:
"The aim has been to target alcohol-related harm and its causes without interfering with the pleasure enjoyed by the millions of people who drink responsibly".

Effectiveness requires partnership:
"... it clearly shows that the best way to minimise the harms is through partnership between Government, local authorities, police, industry and the public themselves".

Law enforcement responsible for preventing harm imposed on others, health to treat harm on demand and education to reduce the risks of self-harm:
"For Government, the priority is to work with the police and local authorities so that existing laws to reduce alcohol-related crime and disorder are properly enforced, including powers to shut down any premises where there is a serious problem of disorder arising from it. Treatment services need to be able to meet demand. And the public needs access to clear information setting out the full and serious effects of heavy drinking".

Trade responsible to reduce harm imposed on others:
"For the drinks industry, the priority is to end irresponsible promotions and advertising; to better ensure the safety of their staff and customers; and to limit the nuisance caused to local communities".

Consumers responsible for drug consumption:
"Ultimately, however, it is vital that individuals can make informed and responsible decisions about their own levels of alcohol consumption".

Consumers responsible for making their own cost-benefit assessment, distinguishing the risk of self-harm from the risk of imposing harm on others:
"Everyone needs to be able to balance their right to enjoy a drink with the potential risks to their own - and others’ - health and wellbeing. Young people in particular need to better understand the risks involved in harmful patterns of drinking".