Frequently Asked Questions

What is an environmental policy change?

Strategies that seek to establish or change community standards, codes, and attitudes, thereby influencing the incidence and prevalence of drug abuse in general. Sound environmental policy changes do not act directly on individuals, groups, or families; rather, but seek to alter the context in which individuals, groups, and families behave.

How do I start to make a policy change?

Before attempting to make an environmental policy change in your community, it is first necessary for your coalition to organize and formulate a plan of action. The following are examples of topics to consider:

• What do you want to change (an ordinance, policy, law, etc.)?
• Why is the change needed, documenting the extent of the problem (facts, statistics, and anecdotes)?
• Who has the power to make the change (city council people, members of the state legislature), and through what system (city council, county board, state legislature)?
• Who are your potential allies (other coalitions, local businesses, prevention specialists, law enforcement)?
• Do you have key champions in the system needed to make the change, and who are they?
• Who will you meet with during the process, and who will you take with you to make your case?
• Who will your opponents be, (legalizers, alcohol distributors, others who want funding for their program, etc.) what arguments will they have, and how can you neutralize them?
• How can you use the media to help you (op-eds, local print, radio and/or TV stories about your issue)?
• Who will monitor the progress of the proposed ordinance, policy, or regulation?

Are there different types of environmental policy changes?

There are many different ways to create, change, or further expand existing policy. Here are some examples of different types of community-based interventions and policy changes, which through regulation can alter community environments:

• Alcohol Advertising Ordinances
• Clean Air (Smoke-Free) Ordinances/Laws
• Community Curfew Ordinances
• Compliance Check Ordinances
• Fake ID Enforcement
• Happy Hour Ordinances/Laws
• Hours/Days of Alcohol Sale Ordinances/Laws
• Keg Registration Ordinances
• Land Use Ordinances
• Merchant Education Ordinances
• Open Container Ordinances
• Ordinances that regulate Beer Distributors at Festivals
• Outlet Proximity Ordinances
• School Policies
• Third Party Transaction Enforcement (Shoulder Taps, Social Host, and Source Investigation Programs)