An Evaluation of the Alcohol Warning Label: Initial Survey Results

There is a slight increase in the public's perception of the risk level associated with consuming alcoholic beverages since the warning label became effective, through national surveys conducted in May 1989 and May 1990.

Abstract

This paper assesses the impact of alcoholic beverage warning labels through national surveys conducted in May 1989 and May 1990. The results show a slight increase in the public's perception of the risk level associated with consuming alcoholic beverages since the warning label became effective. They also show that, 35 percent of the sample responded that alcoholic beverage containers were “very likely” or “somewhat likely” to have warnings. About 11 percent of the sample was able to identify the specific pregnancy hazard warning. The awareness level was highest among younger adults and “heavy” alcohol consumers.