ABSTRACT
France is often considered to have an extremely relaxed and non-interventionist approach to alcohol use and to the prevention of alcohol problems. The production of spirits in France is controlled by a state monopoly, but almost certainly for purposes of quality control rather than for preventing alcohol problems. France figures among the great national producers of wine and alcohol and is the greatest world consumer of alcoholic beverages. The decrease in per capita alcohol consumption in France must also be viewed in the context of other non-fiscal policies that have been developed in France, including advertising controls and the alcohol education and prevention initiatives reviewed. Deaths from liver cirrhosis and from alcoholism and alcoholic psychosis represent only a portion of alcohol related mortality. The role of alcohol in road accidents in France is well recognised and is generally thought to be a major factor in 40 per cent to 45 per cent of all road accidents.
