AbstractPreventive strategies for alcohol‐related problems need to be in keeping with their socio‐political context. Prohibition is inappropriate except where it has widespread support within the culture. Preventive strategies focus on the population and/or high risk groups and behaviours. Primary prevention can be achieved by control policies, education and provision of alternatives. Fiscal measures are of proven value. Legislative approaches influence availability and context of drinking, such as drinking and driving. Advertising control, server training and server liability are further approaches. Encouraging the provision of alternative beverages and promoting alcohol‐free environments is a further approach which should be seen as pan of an integrated community response. Secondary prevention linked with early recognition of hazardous drinking at primary level is of known efficacy and would form part of a coordinated str