In order to study activity in conducting brief alcohol intervention, a total of 83 consecutive consultations by eight general practitioners were videotaped. The categorization included the nature of the patient's health problems and whether alcohol consumption was elicited. The discussions were compared to previously given instructions. Alcohol consumption was elicited in 9/34 of the consultations where enquiry was indicated by the instructions, and rarely in any other situations. The activity among the individual physicians varied, but none of them elicited systematically in all situations with indication. No information was given to any of these patients concerning the relation between their symptoms and alcohol consumption. In conclusion, enquiring and advising on alcohol were seldom performed. More training is needed, especially on how to inform individual patients of the health risks of alcohol.