Background: Screening, Brief-Intervention and Referral Treatment (SBIRT) is an evidence-based intervention model used to identify, reduce, and prevent hazardous use of alcohol and illicit drugs. SBIRT is often utilized in Emergency Department (ED) and primary care settings because such departments present an opportune moment to engage patients in conversation about substance use, as they are already there for health-related purposes. Few studies have examined alcohol related differences between Latinos whose primary language is English compared to those whose primary language is Spanish, or investigated the effects of SBIRT when delivered in Spanish to primarily Spanish-speaking patients. This study describes the socio-demographic and alcohol-related characteristics of Spanish and English speaking Latino patients screened for alcohol use in ED settings, and evaluates the effects of SBIRT on those identified as hazardous drinkers. Methods: A total of 24,319 Latino patients were interviewed in 8 different ED settings throughout San Diego County. Of this sample, 61% preferred to do the interview in English, while 39% preferred to be interviewed in Spanish. A total of 193 Latino patients who were screened received SBIRT in the ED in their preferred language, and completed a 6- month self-report follow-up assessment (19% Spanish; 81% English). Conclusion: Results suggest that although Latino ED patient groups may differ somewhat on socio-demographic and alcohol-related measures, a linguistically appropriate alcohol Brief Intervention in the ED may have broad benefits