ABSTRACT
The relationship between de jure and de facto arrangements for the control of alcohol problems in each country was of particular importance during these visits. In collecting data on the nature, range and extent of policies and measures for controlling alcohol problems, we have tried to assess the correspondence between stated policy and policy-in-practice. In addition we have sought evaluation data on particular programmes and policy measures, though for the most part these are conspicuously absent in most of the countries studied. One response might be to abandon the study of these matters altogether and to let the whole business go uncharted. Another response is to battle on despite the methodological pitfalls and data base problems, taking extreme care in interpreting data and in making either sociological or policy related inferences. There is good reason to believe that under-reporting presents a major problem with the collection and analysis of consumption data.
