Research into alcohol related harm and public holidays in Victoria shows an influx of hospital admissions, ambulance call outs and arrests for assault on most social occasions throughout the year, as well as the day before.

The research, by Turning Point and VicHealth, provides a conclusive link between warmer weather and unruly drinking behaviour. All emergency services experience a spike in incidents related to alcohol on public holidays during the summer months.

This evidence highlights the impact of alcohol and the harmful drinking culture upon resource allocation, staffing and funding across a wide range of areas, from emergency and health services, to hospitality, transport and entertainment.

The data also gives valuable guidance for targeting alcohol intervention and prevention initiatives and health education campaigns to minimise harms associated with drinking.

  Drinking cultures and social occasions research report

  Drinking cultures and social occasions research summary