Tracking Biases: An Update to the Validity and Reliability of Alcohol Retail Sales Data for Estimating Population Consumption in Scotland

AIMS: To highlight the importance of monitoring biases when using retail sales data to estimate population alcohol consumption. METHODS: Previously, we identified and where possible quantified sources of bias that may lead to under- or overestimation of alcohol consumption in Scotland. Here, we update findings by using more recent data and by quantifying emergent biases. RESULTS: Underestimation resulting from the net effect of biases on population consumption in Scotland increased from −4% in 2010 to −7% in 2013. CONCLUSION: Biases that might impact on the validity and reliability of sales data when estimating population consumption should be routinely monitored and updated.