The impact of an alcohol consumption intervention in community sports clubs on safety and participation: an RCT

Objective: Sports clubs have been identified as settings where high levels of risky alcohol consumption occurs. Settings characterised by such behaviour are likely to negatively impact on levels of safety, participation and amenity. Design: The study was part of a randomised control trial, designed to help community sports clubs responsibly manage the sale and consumption of alcohol; the primary outcome was reduction in alcohol consumption. This study examined the secondary effects of safety and participation. Methods: A multilevel analysis examining the pathways between the alcohol intervention, risky alcohol consumption, and safety and participation was undertaken. Results: It was identified that average overall risky consumption at the club level mediated the association between the intervention and increased participation; the intervention reduced overall hazardous consumption, which in turn increased participation at the club. Conclusion: Interventions that target responsible alcohol management can also increase club participation. Implications for public health: Given the number of individuals involved with sports clubs, responsibly managing alcohol will also ensure that sports clubs are health promoting settings that promote community participation and engagement.