One of the main thrusts of contemporary alcohol misuse policies is that early intervention can make a real difference to patterns of problem drinking, as long as healthcare professionals are given the right skills. However, healthcare professionals themselves suggest that they are often unsure of how to raise issues, and feel that they lack the skills or knowledge to do this effectively. This study investigates the perceptions and training needs of health visitors, school nurses, nursery nurses and practice nurses in relation to alcohol misuse primary prevention and the delivery of brief interventions in their day-to-day work. The findings indicate a variation in the need for training, which is reflected by the level of knowledge, skills and confidence of the different professional groups. This may help to facilitate the provision of needs-led alcohol training, and promote the effective delivery of support and brief interventions to individuals, families, schools and communities.