Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: Across the United States, cities have begun limiting the number of liquor licenses they issue. Behind such legislation is a belief that the more alcohol outlets there are, the more problems there will be. However, such a hypothesis has never been tested. This study will examine a mid-size town with a high density of liquor licenses. Looking at crime data over a one year period, and in three different areas, results show that what affects crime the most is not how many liquor licenses there are, but what kinds of licenses exist. Bars that did not promote overconsumption had relatively low crime rates surrounding their establishments, even if they were in a high density area of alcohol outlets. This is compared to bars that had irresponsible serving practices, all of which had very high crime rates around their establishments.