Using GIS and Observational Data Collection to Inform Alcohol Outlet Zoning Legislation

The association between alcohol outlets and individual-level behavior and community-level problems has received increasing attention in recent years. Several studies have found that alcohol outlets are magnets for crime and incivility and are associated with increased consumption and availability of alcohol. Alcohol outlets and other commercial businesses (e.g. tobacco outlets, fast food restaurants, etc.) are promising locations for investigation as they are salient targets for environmental interventions through zoning and land use policies. This presentation will explore the use geographic information systems (GIS) and observational data collection to inform legislation regarding alcohol outlet zoning aimed at 1) reducing violent crime, 2) decreasing childhood and adolescent exposure to alcohol and drugs, and; 3) improving residents’ perception of safety. Data will be presented that will detail the extent to which existing zoning and municipal laws are being enforced and the magnitude of association between local laws and ordinances and negative youth outcomes.  Systematic observational assessments of local establishments licensed to sell alcohol were assessed in the Summer of 2014 to determine the extent to which 2 existing laws are being enforced.  The first law restricts sales to minors in any establishment licensed to sell alcohol. The second law prohibits placement of packaged goods store in communities zoned as residential.  The results indicate a lack of enforcement of these laws is associated with a decreased likelihood of adherence and increased likelihood of negative youth outcomes.  Youth in communities with outlets that do not conform to existing zoning laws related to alcohol outlets were more than twice as likely as their age, sex, and poverty matched peers to report exposure to violence, alcohol, and other drugs (OR = 2.3, p<0.05).  Similarly youth who reside in residential neighborhoods that have packaged goods stores are more 3 times more likely to report exposure to violence, alcohol, and other drugs (OR = 3.2, p<0.05). Our hypotheses were that laws without enforcement, are akin to gums without teeth and merit both further research as well as targeted enforcement strategies to enhance the public health impact of local ordinances designed to improve youth outcomes related to alcohol, violence and other drug exposure.   This study highlights the importance of GIS and observational data in informing legislative policies and enforcement strategies. GIS data is readily available in many locales, which allows for replication; additionally GIS data allows for evaluation of many zoning policies and local ordinances.