Purpose of review: This review is a critical reflection on the effectiveness of evidence-based alcohol policies and their implementation, based on studies and observations that have arisen in recent years.
Recent findings: This article covers themes in recent literature of: the relationship between alcohol consumption and harm, the variability of country contextual factors and the interactions of both country contexts and alcohol policies on changes in alcohol consumption and harm.
Summary: These recent observations imply that alcoholic beverage policies and programmes should focus on contextual determinants in each country and community, and address targeted problems (like problem drinking) and harm (such as liver cirrhosis, cancer and road accidents), rather than consumption per se.