This report presents the summarised findings of a qualitative, process evaluation of the college alcohol policy initiative, carried out in 2004 with a view to examining ongoing progress on the part of third-level colleges in their attempts to institute effective alcohol policies. A comprehensive review of the research and policy literature on college alcohol policies was carried out so as to provide a wider context for this Irish initiative, and the following specific methodologies were then used in conducting this evaluation:

• content analysis of policy documents drafted in participating colleges;

• focus group discussions with college staff who had played a key role in drafting and implementing their own institution's alcohol policy;

• individual interviews with stakeholders representing student interests and a representative of the drinks industry;

• case studies of three different colleges and their alcohol policies which were intended to reflect the spectrum of college experiences in this sphere.

The findings from the focus group clearly indicate that the drinks industry had been promoting its products on campus in an irresponsible manner. The authors conclude that the colleges have not achieved the type of policy mixed required by a successful harm reduction approach to alcohol consumption They recommend that colleges themselves, not just the student services sector should take responsibility for alcohol policies.