Impact of Alcohol Sales on Violent Crime, Property Destruction and Public Disorder

• NCJ Number: 171413
• Author(s): R J Stevenson
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 51 pages
• Sale Source: New South Wales Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: Australia
• Note: DCC

Annotation

This study revealed that alcohol sales in New South Wales neighborhoods influenced the rate of assault, malicious damage to property, and offensive behavior.

Abstract

Data were obtained between July 1994 and June 1995 on the quantity of alcohol sold for beer, wine, and spirits and on alcohol sales by hotels, clubs, and restaurants. Variations in crime levels in neighborhoods were then assessed in relation to alcohol sales. Results demonstrated strong and significant relationships between alcohol sales and crime, even when controlling for socioeconomic and demographic variables. Total alcohol sales volume was significantly and positively correlated with malicious damage to property, assault, and offensive behavior. When alcohol data were analyzed by sales volume from different outlet types, significant positive correlations were observed between hotel alcohol sales volume and assault, between club and hotel alcohol sales volume and offensive behavior, and between hotel and restaurant alcohol sales volume and malicious damage to property. Appendixes contain supplemental information on study variables and data. 62 references, 9 notes, 20 tables, and 3 figures