THE ROLE OF ALCOHOL PROVIDERS IN PREVENTION - AN EVALUATION OF A SERVER INTERVENTION PROGRAM

Server intervention is a relatively new approach in the attempt to red uce the incidence of drinking and driving. Although a number of evalua tions have suggested that the approach may be effective, there have be en few comprehensive evaluations of such programmes. The present study utilized process evaluation techniques to assess reactions to a progr amme developed by the Addiction Research Foundation, and a quasi-exper imental design to determine the impact of the programme on the serving practices of servers. Actors portrayed behaviours often faced by serv ers, and observers rated the reactions of the servers, who were unawar e of the simulations, to these situations. The programme appears to ha ve been effective in changing behaviour, in that trained servers exhib ited less inappropriate responses than did untrained servers. In addit ion the results suggested that the programme increased servers' knowle dge about their obligations and potential strategies for dealing with these situations. The implications of these findings for future implem entations of such programmes are discussed.