ABSTRACT
Social control is an unpopular — even sinister — concept, particularly to those of a liberal persuasion. Alcohol controls are often associated with bureaucratic interference, unacceptable intrusions into what is seen as essentially private behaviour. The traditional liberal stance on the rights of the individual in relation to the community is J.S. Mills’ often-quoted assertion that the only justification for interfering with the ‘liberty of action’ of another person is self-protection. The feasibility and character of alcohol control policies are highly dependent on the cultural-political setting in which they are implemented. Governments which rely on concensus or electoral support for their actions have a very different task from those in which there is a high degree of central control with less public accountability. The number of bars and other points of sale is often restricted by licensing authorities who endeavour to limit the density of outlets and have some influence on their character.
