NCJ Number
187409
Date Published
1999
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper describes local alcohol policy options that can reduce underage alcoholic beverage consumption in communities.
Abstract
Local communities can rely on land-use zoning to determine where alcohol may be sold or consumed and how it is distributed and marketed. Some States allow local governments to license commercial alcohol establishments. Licensing amplifies local zoning powers as a means to shape the local alcohol environment. Zoning ordinances can require that any given land use, including retail alcohol outlets, must obtain a conditional use permit (CUP) in order to conduct business. CUPs serve as a useful adjunct to other types of regulations and allow for specific and public consideration of each business development that proposes to sell alcohol. An important aspect of the CUP requirement is that municipalities may revoke the CUP at some later date should the required conditions be violated. This opportunity to monitor the continuing operation of an alcohol outlet, and to take corrective action if necessary, is an important feature in supporting community zoning ordinances that require all alcohol outlets to be subject to a conditional use permit. "Place" regulations can be used to reduce alcohol availability to youth by restricting the location/number of commercial alcohol outlets; restricting the types of commercial alcohol outlets; requiring commercial alcohol outlets to use responsible serving/sale practices; and restricting minors' access to noncommercial sources of alcohol. Overall, communities should explore the scope of the powers they have in their particular State and use policy to control the place, product, pricing, and promotion practices used to sell alcohol. 13 annotated resources