The National Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy for England places much emphasis on creating partnerships at both national and local levels between government, the drinks industry, health services, police, individuals and communities to tackle alcohol misuse and associated harm and disorder. This article describes the characteristic structures and dynamics of community partnerships to reduce alcohol-related harm at three sites in the UK, all influenced by an approach championed by Holder in the USA. It illustrates both the attributes of a good partner and the importance of the relationship between partners, as well as the benefits and challenges inherent in local partnerships' working. (Contains 1 figure.)