Exploring violence: The role of neighborhood characteristics, alcohol outlets, and other micro-places

A systems framework depicting how complex neighborhood dynamics and contextual factors could impact the effectiveness of an alcohol outlet zoning policy

“…The association between violent crimes and alcohol outlets is well established (Campbell et al, 2009; Jennings et al, 2014; Johnson Thornton et al, 2013; Laveist et al, 2000). This association is most consistent for off‐premise outlets, establishments such as liquor stores where alcohol is sold and then consumed elsewhere, rather than on‐premise outlets, such as bars and restaurants (Feng et al, 2018; Pridemore & Grubesic, 2011; Snowden, 2019). Off‐premise alcohol outlets, in particular, have a consistently significant positive relationship with violent crimes including simple and aggravated assaults, as well as robberies, rape, and homicide/manslaughter (Feng et al, 2018; Furr‐Holden et al, 2016; Jennings et al, 2014; Laveist et al, 2000; Pridemore & Grubesic, 2011; Snowden, 2019; Trangenstein et al, 2018).…”

“…This association is most consistent for off‐premise outlets, establishments such as liquor stores where alcohol is sold and then consumed elsewhere, rather than on‐premise outlets, such as bars and restaurants (Feng et al, 2018; Pridemore & Grubesic, 2011; Snowden, 2019). Off‐premise alcohol outlets, in particular, have a consistently significant positive relationship with violent crimes including simple and aggravated assaults, as well as robberies, rape, and homicide/manslaughter (Feng et al, 2018; Furr‐Holden et al, 2016; Jennings et al, 2014; Laveist et al, 2000; Pridemore & Grubesic, 2011; Snowden, 2019; Trangenstein et al, 2018). Consistent with other cities, a study in Baltimore City found a 10% increase in access to off‐premise outlets was associated with a 4.4% increase in total violent crime, and heightened risk of exposure to homicide, robbery and aggravated, and sexual assaults (Trangenstein et al, 2018).…”

“…Neighborhoods with a higher density of alcohol outlets have been linked to a higher density of assaults (Pridemore & Grubesic, 2011). One study in Milwaukee found that off‐premise alcohol outlets were associated with violence, independent of concentrated disadvantage and the racial composition of the neighborhood (Snowden, 2019). Another study in New York City boroughs found significant associations between off‐premise outlets and aggravated assault and robbery, however, these associations varied by borough, suggesting a role of neighborhood context (Feng et al, 2018).…”

“…While an extensive literature documents the public health and crime impacts of alcohol outlets (Campbell et al, 2009; Feng et al, 2018; Fitterer et al, 2015; Furr‐Holden et al, 2016; Snowden, 2019; Trangenstein et al, 2018), there are increasing calls for more rigorous and nuanced inquiry using a range of research methodologies (Gmel et al, 2016). To date, analyses have primarily assumed linear relationships between alcohol outlet density and crime (Franklin et al, 2010; Trangenstein et al, 2018).…”

Changes in Alcohol Consumption during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from Wisconsin

“…In the U.S, alcohol misuse is the fourth leading preventable cause of death (Starhe, 2014), . Excessive drinking is also a risk factor for numerous chronic conditions including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022) and is associated with increased violence (Snowden, 2019), crime (Toomey et al, 2012), poverty (Khan et al, 2002), sexually transmitted diseases (Cook & Clark, 2005), and other public health harms.…”