This handbook is designed primarily for people working in health ministries or who are responsible at the regional or municipal level for developing strategies and actions plans to reduce alcohol-related harm.

The handbook begins by setting out the infrastructure needed for an effective action plan on alcohol. It then describes 10 areas for effective action: alcohol pricing, availability, marketing, illegally and informally produced alcohol, drink–driving, drinking environments, health care interventions, public awareness-raising, community and workplace action, and monitoring and evaluation. For each area, the handbook outlines strategies, lists questions to consider, offers options for action, lists partners for action and provides a short bibliography of tools and supporting materials.