Extract

Background and study aims Previous research has suggested that labels indicating low or light versions of products with health harms could lead people to consume more as they appear to be less harmful. However, it is not clear whether labelling alcohol as low in strength could also have such effects. The aim of this study is to find out whether the use of low alcohol labels increases consumption of wine and beer. Who can participate? Healthy volunteers, aged 18 or over, who consume alcohol weekly What does the study involve? The study takes place in a laboratory setting that mimics a “bar” environment, located in central London. Participants are randomly allocated to taste one of test three glasses of wine or beer, labelled as having either average, low or super low alcohol content. The drinks vary only in the labels used to describe the drinks, not in the actual drinks. Participants are asked to rate the quality of the drinks and are then told that they can consume the remaining drinks whilst answering questions regarding their drinking habits and motivations. The total volume of drink consumed, product appeal and perceived alcohol strength are all measured. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? The findings from this study will provide evidence of the impact of low alcohol labels on beer and wine consumption . This study is considered to be low risk and no side effects are expected. Since participants will drink alcohol in this study, breathalysers will be used to ensure that at the end of the study participants are not intoxicated (participants will only be able to consume a maximum of 2.5 units of alcohol since all the drinks will have a low alcohol content). If they are over the driving limit, they will be asked to remain in the lab until the effects of the alcohol have worn off, or to take public transportation when leaving the testing venue. Participants who insist on leaving the lab before they are sober will be asked to sign a waiver stating they are aware of their breath alcohol concentration. Where is the study run from? Testing will take place in a bar lab located in central London. The study is run from the Behaviour and Health Research Unit at the University of Cambridge (UK) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? July 2015 to February 2017 Who is funding the study? Department of Health Policy Research Programme (UK) Who is the main contact? Prof. Theresa Marteau

Inclusion criteria

• Excessive alcohol consumption

Links

• isrctn