Public perceptions of harms and benefits of increasing alcohol venue trading hours: a deliberative focus group study

Background: Late-night opening of alcohol venues is associated with increased intoxication, social disorder and burden on public services. From 2017, two Scottish cities—Aberdeen and Glasgow—extended venue trading hours, to 3am and 4am, respectively. This study aimed to explore (i) public perceptions of harms and benefits of later trading hours, and (ii) how related public health evidence is assessed and used by the public.

Methods: Eight groups of residents and venue-goers (n = 42) participated in two deliberative focus groups over a two-week period. Evidence on the pros and cons of later hours was presented and discussed. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze data.

Results: Participants associated later hours with increased alcohol consumption and increased harms such as violence, antisocial behavior, crime and public disturbance. Harms were discussed more frequently than benefits. Venue-goers highlighted cultural and social benefits and suggested staggered closing times might reduce harms. Following consideration of public health evidence, participants’ focus shifted from individual to societal impacts, such as increased burden on police, ambulance, and hospital services.

Conclusion: Exposing lay participants to public health evidence fostered more reflection on societal impacts of later trading hours, potentially providing policy-makers with strategies to increase public support for alcohol policies.