Alcohol as a Sustainability Issue

One of the values of the Sustainable Kingston plan is to ensure well-being 

“...(to) create a sustainable community where all members of the community are able to meet their needs, advance their potential, and improve well being through healthy, safe, and fulfilling work and play”. [1]

While the sale of alcohol can provide a boost to the local economy, how does it inhibit the Sustainable Kingston goal of community well-being?  The excessive use of alcohol and related harm is a complex sustainability issue that can be monitored and managed by local communities.

The following illustrates how the issue of alcohol crosses all 4 sustainability pillars.  This summary is based on work from Australia – ICLEI Oceania’s Cities for Safe and Health Communities. [2]

Economically - Poor alcohol management and planning can lead to an oversaturation of alcohol outlets.  This can both limit opportunities for other businesses to open up and participate in the night-time economy, and deter businesses from opening

Socially - A high concentration of alcohol outlets in one neighbourhood of the City may be appealing to young adults, but creates no-go areas for others, resulting in a decrease in community interaction.

Culturally - Relying on alcohol outlets alone reduces vitality.  Support from city planners is essential to encourage a diverse business mix in the night-time environment.

Environmentally - There is a definite need to balance interests and control excess. Alcohol-related costs are out of balance with alcohol industry profits and provincial government revenue.

How can Kingston measure the impact of strategies to reduce alcohol-related harm?

By measuring the following indicators:
·       Alcohol-related assaults,
·       Alcohol-related ambulance attendances
·       Alcohol-related illness and injury
·       Diverse business mix: what is the ratio of alcohol-related businesses to other opportunities for community and cultural engagement?
·       Alcohol-related costs to council: e.g. enforcement, property damage, waste management, street cleaning

The annual Sustainable Kingston forum is Saturday, April 20^th from 9 am – 4 pm at the KROCK Centre.  Come and join us in the exhibitor’s area to explore this issue further.  Ask a question about alcohol as a sustainability issue for your chance to receive a free Tim Horton’s gift card!

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[1] Sustainable Kingston plan (2011)

[2] “Using data to drive action”. Cities for Safe and Health Communities, ICLEI Oceania, Melbourne, Australia, 2009.