Rice Alcohol: A Policy Impact Analysis

This thesis is an impact-oriented exploratory data analysis. The objective is to highlight some of the issues that need to be addressed in regulating non-potable alcohol beverage consumption. More specifically, the thesis begins by considering the historical context from which a British Columbian regulatory policy emerged, by highlighting the theoretical considerations in preventative alcohol policy development, and by outlining the context in which the use of rice alcohol came to be recognized as a problem. The focus then shifts to the methodological concerns involved in exploring a phenomenon for which no concrete data exist. The analysis incorporates both quantitative and qualitative techniques, and ultimately engages in a process of abduction. The results of this analysis suggest that there are positive impacts of the policy; however, there are indications that these positive impacts have been short-term. In addition to an interpretation of the quantitative and qualitative results, the discussion section includes a review of policy recommendations for the regulation of non-potable beverages.