Alcohol consumption has a direct impact on the extent of the alcohol related damage, including health and quality of life impacts. Alcohol policy, especially the availability of alcoholic beverages, affects the overall alcohol consumption. The Czech Republic is a very liberal country in relation to alcohol consumption and is known for the widespread availability of cheap alcohol beverages. The Czech Republic is regularly ranked among countries with the highest per capita rate of alcohol consumption in international comparison. Excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages has a negative impact on health and socio-economic situation of a large part of the Czech population. Czech policy should be inspired by foreign experience which shows that limitation of alcohol availability is an effective way of reducing overall alcohol consumption and related harms, including health impacts. Keywords: alcohol, alcohol policy, alcohol consumption, alcohol related damage, health of the Czech population.

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