Europe is a major producer and consumer of alcohol, and alcohol related problems make a major impact on health, social welfare and the economy. Despite these costs, many communities continue to regard alcohol problems solely as medical or even narrowly psychiatric issues. Community programmes and local action of all kinds are one important way of supporting healthier lifestyles, as well as securing public and political support for modifying the sale and use of alcohol. These guidelines are essentially practical and contain approaches that can be adapted to different settings. They are designed to stimulate local interest and action plans.