Packaged Liquor Availability
A scan of the evidence on alcohol use and harms
About this review
Conducted between October and December 2025, this evidence scan synthesised six reviews and 33 primary studies examining the link between packaged liquor availability and alcohol use and related harms across Australia and comparable jurisdictions.
Key messages
- Greater packaged liquor availability is generally associated with increased alcohol use and alcohol-related harm, including violence, injury and health service use.
- The evidence is strongest and most consistent for adolescent alcohol use and violence, including gender-based family violence.
- Availability is about more than the number of outlets. Trading hours, sales volume and outlet characteristics, including outlet type, size and pricing, can influence alcohol use and related harms.
- The effects of packaged liquor availability vary by local context, highlighting the importance of place-based policy and regulation.