Characteristics of the Club Setting and Biological Measurements of Patrons' Drug and Alcohol Use

Electronic Music Dance Events (EMDEs) in nightclubs are events that feature electronic music. EMDEs attract patrons involved in high rates of alcohol and drug use and related risks. Environmental factors related to increased alcohol and drug risk in these settings could provide information relevant to prevention strategies. The current study examined the observed characteristics of clubs featuring EMDEs and their relation to levels of alcohol (BAC) and drug consumption (i.e., marijuana (THC), cocaine, and amphetamines), as assessed through biological measurements. Specifically, we expected more thorough club security practices and the presence of safety/warning signs to be related to lower levels of alcohol and drug use at exit. In contrast, we expected bar crowding, presence of isolated areas within the club, and more instances of serving to intoxicated patrons to be related to higher levels of alcohol and drug use at exit.

To address these issues, biological data to assess alcohol and drug use at exit and systematic observational data from 38 events across 7 clubs were collected for a total of N=1,341 patrons (48.5% female). Systematic observations of the interior and exterior of each club were conducted independently by two raters, one male and one female. Raters observed each event and completed an observation checklist to rate the features of the club observed. Observations included the entry process, all activities inside the club from the beginning through the end of the event, and activities outside the club after the event. While attending the event, raters recorded their observations using a protocol loaded onto a small tablet computer. The following observed characteristics were included in current analyses: security procedures, bar crowding, safety signs, serving intoxicated patrons, and isolated areas.

Because patrons and observations were clustered by clubs and events, mixed model regressions were conducted to account for this clustering. Club characteristics were related to drug but not alcohol use at exit; however alcohol use was an important predictor of drug use at exit. Specifically, greater levels of drug use (THC, cocaine, amphetamines) were associated with being in a club that serves intoxicated patrons more often, has less intensive club security, and has more opportunities for isolation. Findings have implications for creating safer nightclub settings for young adults, as they point to characteristics that should be targeted in preventing drug use.