Effects of alcohol outlet density on drinking behavior and consequences

Abstract

Alcohol causes more than 200 diseases and entails negative social consequences. According to the 2014 burden of disease report, addiction to alcohol resulted in the highest losses due to disability in Thai males. A recent attempt from Thai government to reduce harm from alcohol is to decrease outlet densities in areas around universities. This study reviewed theories and empirical studies to demonstrate how this policy works.

Effects of outlet density on drinking behavior and negative consequences could be explained by the Classic availability theory, Social disorganization theory, Routine activity theory, Niche theory, and Assortative drinking. Putting together those theories into one framework helps explaining that effects of changing outlet density comprise effects from drinking behavior change, effects from increasing occasions for negative consequences, and effects from disorganization of community, which is a common cause of increasing outlet density and negative consequences.

Empirical studies support the theoretical explanations. Evidence demonstrated associations between outlet density and drinking behavior as well as negative consequences such as overall consequences, suicide, road traffic accidents, hospitalization, and death. The effects also depended on types of outlet and where an outlet is located. A measure to reduce outlet density would entail a decrease in negative consequences from alcohol.