Minimum legal drinking age laws, random breath testing and face-to-face bartender training are just some of the national level interventions proven to work in preventing and reducing alcohol misuse, according to a new briefing from the Health Development Agency.

The evidence briefing also finds that heavy drinkers receiving opportunistic advice on just one occasion in hospital and primary care settings are twice as likely to moderate their drinking within a year than drinkers receiving no advice.

Forum Response: Health Development Agency

Professor Mike Kelly, director of research and information at the Health Development Agency, told ePolitix.com: "This first evidence briefing on alcohol launches a series that will become the definitive resource for health professionals on what works in health improvement.

"Over the coming months, evidence briefings will examine theeffectiveness of interventions for a range of other issues including obesity, smoking and unwanted teenage pregnancy. The Health Development Agency is building the evidence base on public health and health improvement - this series plays an important role in getting that information out to health professionals in a clear and concise format."

Forum Response: Depression Alliance

A spokeswoman for the Depression Alliance told ePolitix.com: We welcome the Health Development Agency's work. Alcohol abuse can often go hand in hand with depression and early intervention at a primary care level can provide people with vital information and access to services."