Implementation of Socio-economic Policy in the Framework of the

Sustainable Development of the Territory based on the Reduction of

Alcohol Consumption

Natalia V. Poluyanova

3 Belgorod State National Research University, Belgorod, Russia

Keywords: Alcohol, Сonsumption, Socio-economic Policy, Region, Sustainable Development.

Abstract: The article shows the connection between alcohol consumption by the population and the decline in the quality

of human capital, which should be involved in the development of society in the new conditions of economic

management. It is concluded that society's focus on innovation, including environmental and the solution of

problems from the pool of targets of regional economy sustainable development, is necessary to

comprehensively solve the increasing quality of human capital. This actualizes adaptive and preventive

regional socio-economic policy issues, contributing to the reduction of alcohol consumption in Russian

society. Based on analytical comparisons, it was demonstrated that the standard of living and unemployment

rate does not always mediate the propensity to drink alcohol. The conclusion is made about the effective role

of promoting healthy lifestyles and values instilled in the family and society. It also substantiates a set of

justifiable measures in the field of regional socio-economic policy, designed to control the situation and to

help reduce the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

1 INTRODUCTION

At present, reducing the purchase of socially

undesirable goods, such as alcoholic beverages, by

the population is part of the regional socio-economic

policy implemented in Russia. This is mediated by the

efforts of the Government and authorities in the

regions to improve the quality and life expectancy of

the population and the health of future generations.

Thus, in July 2020, President of Russia V.V. Putin

signed Decree No. 474, "On National Development

Goals of the Russian Federation until 2030", which

pool of targets includes the preservation of

population, its health, and well-being, as well as

increasing life expectancy to 78 years (Decree of the

President of the Russian Federation No. 474, 2020).

This focus predetermines the need to reduce

alcohol consumption among adult citizens who are

planning to become parents, as the presence of

addictions will harm their health and the health of

their children, and there is a need to switch to other

stereotypes of behavior and forms of leisure for

families with children. The negative habits of parents

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2978-9124

are subject to being copied by their children, who

transfer this scenario of behavior and consumption to

their future. Note that in the formation of the health

of the individual, up to 50% of the influence falls on

the factor of lifestyle, 20% - heredity, and up to 30%

has to do with the environment (Onishchenko, 2015).

The concept of sustainable development focuses

on the formation of a conscious attitude to the quality

of life, living society in harmony with the surrounding

landscape, focusing on innovation, including "green"

initiatives, the consumption of environmentally

friendly goods, and reducing the anthropogenic

impact on the environment in the regions. To

understand the relevance of the pressure reduction

issue, here are data characterizing the degree of

conservation of natural ecosystems in several

countries (Figure 1).

Poluyanova, N.

Implementation of Socio-economic Policy in the Framework of the Sustainable Development of the Territory based on the Reduction of Alcohol Consumption.

DOI: 10.5220/0010665200003223

In Proceedings of the 1st International Scientiﬁc Forum on Sustainable Development of Socio-economic Systems (WFSDS 2021), pages 145-150

ISBN: 978-989-758-597-5

145

Figure 1: Conservation of natural ecosystems in selected

countries of the world, %

A number of researchers emphasize the

importance of transition from the "brown" to "green"

model of economic management (Bondarenko et al.,

2020). The problem of development of Russian

regions with the focus on digital solutions that take

into account social and environmental effects in

addition to economic ones is updated (Meskhi et al.,

2020), and examples of the development of the

regional economy and its individual sectors in terms

of following these principles are given (Meskhi et al.,

2020). The issues of quality of life, saving resources,

solving social problems - are explored in the "smart

city" model (Arkin et al., 2020). Consideration of

social and environmental effects, strengthening the

digital platform in territorial development, focus on

innovations within a sustainable scenario of life of

territories (Arkin et al., 2020) are possible in the

presence of adequate human capital, which implies

the need to improve the health of the nation. This is

associated with a decrease in alcohol consumption

and actualizes the assessment of the current situation

concerning the Russian conditions, as well as the

implemented measures of regional socio-economic

policy.

2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

In the study of the implementation of socio-economic

policy for sustainable development of the territory

based on reducing alcohol consumption, we analyze

the values of sustainable development, the role of

human capital in this process. A list of leading

countries by alcohol consumption is reviewed, and

risks of alcohol consumption for Russian citizens are

identified. The average per capita income and

unemployment rates in the federal districts of the

country were analyzed. The statistical data were

compared with the crime rate in the regions and the

level of consumption of alcoholic beverages. Existing

federal and regional policy measures to prevent

alcohol consumption by the country's population, as

well as the most pragmatic initiatives within the

framework of regional socio-economic policy, are

analyzed.

3 RESEARCH RESULTS

The amount of alcohol consumed is influenced by the

established lifestyle, consumption stereotype, lack of

exercise habits, association of holidays with alcohol

consumption, formed in children in the family, as

well as broadcasted in movies, TV series, etc. The

lack of accessible sports infrastructure in convenient

locations to engage the population in different leisure

activities plays an important role. Alcohol

consumption increases in areas with low income and

high unemployment.

Within the existing international rankings on

alcohol consumption, Russia ranks 16th, while the

leaders in this indicator in 2020 are Moldova,

Lithuania, Czech Republic, Germany, Nigeria,

Ireland, Luxembourg, Latvia, Bulgaria, and Romania

(Figure 2).

Figure 2: Leading countries in alcohol consumption (litres

of alcohol per capita per year) (10)

However, the problem of reducing alcohol

consumption for Russia remains acute. Experts

suggest implementing measures of socio-economic

policy to reduce the consumption of alcoholic

beverages by 2030, as well as to reorient the

population from strong drinks (which should not

exceed 15% of the total volume), to wine (50%) and

beer (30%). Describing the situation in Russia, as a

whole, let us note that about 85% of the population of

working age consume alcoholic beverages at least

once a week, about 70% of deaths are associated with

the abuse of alcoholic beverages.

The increase in the number of young people

involved in alcohol consumption can be considered

an alarming signal identified by experts. The

proportion of young people who drink alcohol is

65% 65%

20%

40%

60%

80%

15,20

15,00

14,40

13,40

13,00

12,90

12,70

11,00

11,50

12,00

12,50

13,00

13,50

14,00

14,50

15,00

15,50

WFSDS 2021 - INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC FORUM ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC SYSTEMS

146

about 69% (age 18-23). In addition, more than 50%

of young people systematically purchase and

consume alcohol.

According to the respondents themselves, overt

and covert advertising of alcohol, as well as its

affordability and availability in places of purchase,

are the motivating factors.

Experts cite data on the sharp deterioration in the

health of the Russian population, the expansion of the

spectrum of deviant behavior leading to crime (Figure

3).

Figure 3: Negative consequences of alcohol consumption in

Russian society.

Alcohol abuse increases the burden on health care

and law enforcement, and reduces opportunities for

human capital growth.

The regions of Russia are not homogeneous in

terms of the criteria contributing to the growth of

alcohol consumption, namely unemployment and

income levels. The following data can be illustrated

by the level of income in terms of federal districts of

Russia (figure 4).

Figure 4: Average per capita income of population, by

federal districts of Russia in 2019, rubles per month (Stat.

sb., 2020).

Income levels are lowest in the NCFD, SFD, and

PFD, followed by the SFD, and the regions within

these federal districts should have higher rates of

alcohol consumption than, for example, in the CFD,

NWFD, and FEFD.

According to the assessment of the

unemployment rate, the following data were obtained

in the federal districts of the country (figure 5).

Figure 5: Unemployment rate in Russia's federal districts in

2019, %.

By this indicator, the North Caucasian Federal

District is an obvious anti-leader, followed by the Far

Eastern Federal District, the Northern Federal

District, and the Southern Federal District, which

suggests that it is in the regions that make up these

federal districts of Russia that the situation with

alcoholic beverages consumption should be tense.

However, based on large-scale empirical studies

characterizing the amount of alcohol consumed in

different regions of Russia, there is no correlation

with living standards and unemployment rates for all

territories of the country. The findings demonstrate

the high role of upbringing, religious beliefs, and

family values (Figure 6).

Figure 6: Russia's regions with the highest level of sobriety.

The most "sober" regions of the country are those

that are part of the North Caucasus Federal District,

where there is a difficult situation with

unemployment and one of the lowest average per

capita incomes.

The following five regions are considered to be

the anti-leaders in terms of alcohol consumption

(Figure 7).

62%

72%

68%

60%

40%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80%

suicides

murders

death from cirrhosis

death from pancreatitis

death from

cardiovascular disease

46921

37917

29845

24386

28268

36855

27193

37949

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

4,1

5,3

7,1

14,4

6,1

8,6

9,3

12,53

13,74

14,79

20,34

21,3

0 5 10 15 20 25

Ingushetia

Chechnya

Dagestan

Kabardino-Balkaria

Karachay-Cherkessia

Implementation of Socio-economic Policy in the Framework of the Sustainable Development of the Territory based on the Reduction of

Alcohol Consumption

147

Figure 7: Russia's regions with the lowest level of sobriety.

These regions are part of the FEFD, NWFD, and

NWFD and should not be included in this "alarming"

group regarding living standards and unemployment.

It is important to note that the regions leading in

sobriety are characterized by lower rates of crimes per

1,000 inhabitants, including serious crimes. The

regions leading in alcohol consumption are among the

anti-leaders by this criterion.

We believe that the rehabilitation of the economic

situation in the regions, the revival of industries, and

the growth of living standards are undoubtedly of

great importance. However, within the regional

socio-economic policy framework, cultural and

educational work, education, and behavior change are

of great importance. This involves promoting healthy

lifestyles and active family leisure time while

demonstrating the harmful effects of alcohol

consumption. Such activities should be accompanied

by a range of restrictive measures to prevent youth

involvement in alcohol use.

In this context, we consider it appropriate to

analyze the set of initiatives proposed for

implementation in the framework of federal and

regional socio-economic policy by such an

organization as "Sober Russia". According to the

experience of other countries, the specialists of this

organization propose to limit alcohol sales to 21-year-

olds to delay the youths getting acquainted with these

products and to prevent the formation of negative

habits. Experts justify the need for stricter penalties

for the entrepreneurs involved in the activities of

illicit alcohol trafficking. Another initiative is the

necessity to equip vehicles rented out with alcohol

locks on a mandatory basis. The same measure is

proposed to be applied to car owners who have a

history of drink-driving violations. No less justified

in this context would be an increase in liability for

drunk driving, regardless of the adverse consequences

of this act (harm to health, property damage, death of

the injured persons). Liability of passengers for their,

in fact, participation in the act of drunk driving

appears to be an effective measure. As such offences

often occur with the support and even encouragement

of passengers.

As a pilot project in the regions leading in the

acquisition and consumption of alcohol, it is proposed

to implement the concept of restricting access to

alcohol by placing it only in designated places in

stores, that is, to minimize the "point of contact" of

these products with consumers. It also seems

advisable to move the sale of alcoholic beverages

outside cities and towns to also limit access to them

and create additional difficulties in finding them.

Equally important are comprehensive policies to

stop the promotion of alcohol consumption among

children and adolescents. This, for example, implies

the need to prohibit the production and presentation

in retail outlets of products bearing the name of

"children champagne" and other imitators of alcohol

consumption by children who play as adults and

simulate their behavior. In conjunction with these

restrictions, prohibit the sale of non-alcoholic beer

and wine-based drinks to minors. Also as part of the

promotion of a sober lifestyle it is advisable to

conduct appropriate preventive education in schools,

providing knowledge about the dangers of alcohol

and the unacceptability of its regular use for people

who want to be healthy and realize a successful career

trajectory, combined with well-being and a high

quality of life. It is also advisable to combine these

actions with the promotion of various accessible

sports and the presence of sports infrastructure in

places of study, work and residence of young people.

For social advertising to discourage the

consumption of alcohol, it is necessary to increase the

font on each unit of such products about the negative

consequences of alcohol consumption, as well as to

provide inscriptions with appropriate infographics

about alcohol-induced crimes and diseases, statistics

of deaths associated with alcohol abuse.

Restrictions related to the temporary regime of

sale of alcoholic beverages are already being

implemented in the country's regions. The reduction

of these temporary windows and their complete

elimination during school holidays and public

holidays is also advisable. Timely detection,

interdiction of production and destruction of

counterfeit goods are also important.

There is also a need to expand the range of

assistance for people who have become dependent on

alcohol, with the possibility of full rehabilitation and

assistance in finding employment and necessary

foster care as part of engaging in healthy lifestyles.

44,51

45,81

47,27

47,74

49,25

42 44 46 48 50

Magadan Region

Sakhalin Region

Udmurtia

Chukotka Autonomous

District

Komi Republic

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In addition, it is necessary to support children's

sports, which will mediate an increase in the number

of free children's and youth sports sections, and it is

also advisable to invest in socially oriented projects

promoting family values and healthy lifestyles.

4 DISCUSSION OF RESULTS

It can be stated that the acquisition and consumption

of alcohol by the population has been investigated in

several scientific and practice-oriented works in

many countries of the world. This issue remains

relevant for Russia, even though our country is not

among the leading countries in per capita

consumption. Given the significant impact on the

health of current and future generations of Russian

citizens, this issue should be fully analyzed since

alcohol addiction and the consequences of alcohol

consumption harm population growth and the

increase in human capital (especially intellectual

capital), which is necessary for innovative solutions

and management within the framework of sustainable

development targets. Several scientific papers prove

that the index of health and social problem-solving

orientation capabilities is leveled by the use of hard

alcohol (Nemtsov and Kostenko, 2015). Russia has a

tradition of strong alcoholic beverages (vodka)

consumption, which suggests the need for federal and

regional socio-economic policy interventions in the

regions to remedy the emerging negative

consequences (Kossova et al., 2017). In this

connection, we should note that in Russia, the

Concept to Reduce Alcohol Abuse and Prevent

Alcoholism among the Population of the Russian

Federation for the Period up to 2020 has been

implemented.

In addition to federal measures, regional socio-

economic policy decisions are being implemented.

One such example is the alcohol reduction

programme in the Republic of Tuva. These targets

are aimed at improving the demographic situation,

reducing crime and improving social health.

Let us also note that several foreign researchers

estimate the level of income, per capita GDP,

employment indicators as factors influencing such

inclinations (Gilligan and Skrepnek, 2015). Many

domestic researchers also note the importance of the

mentioned indicators and relate them to individuals'

quality and longevity capabilities (Kolosnitsyna et al.,

2019). In addition, the expert community has noted

that the potential for human capital gain or

degradation is linked to the amount of alcohol

consumed, nutrition, and the presence or absence of

sport in society (Kossova et al., 2017).

5 CONCLUSION

We believe that the volume of alcohol consumption

should be analyzed in Russian society concerning the

situation in the country as a whole and each individual

region. In this regard, the rating of "sobriety" of the

Russian regions has a certain usefulness and meaning.

Such monitoring is necessary because the quality

of public health in the current and long-term depends

on reducing alcohol consumption by the population

and/or transition (at the first stage) from strong

alcoholic beverages to conditionally light ones. We

have found that, despite the importance of indicators

of income level and unemployment in assessing the

propensity to drink alcohol, in the current Russian

conditions, such dependence does not fully justify

itself because the North Caucasian Federal District,

with the lowest per capita income and the highest

unemployment rate, has the lowest alcohol

consumption in the country. This circumstance

emphasizes the importance of upbringing, family

traditions, promotion of correct life stereotypes.

These circumstances make it necessary to launch

an advocacy campaign to minimize the proportion of

young people in Russia involved in alcohol

consumption. It is also advisable to take integrated

measures within the framework of regional socio-

economic policy that allow the introduction of

adaptive restrictive measures and educational

solutions to ensure the growth of human capital,

which is necessary for the management of the regions

within the framework of the targets of the concept of

sustainable development.

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