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Booze In The Hood

Higher levels of health risks in racial and ethnic neighborhoods have been observed in the cases of toxic waste, pollution, and the locating of industrial sites. This condition is referred to as environmental injustice. Another example is evident in the density of liquor stores and bars in non-white urban neighborhoods. There are no data available on a national scale showing that alcohol retail presence is greater in high-minority and lower-income minority neighborhoods. It is not clear if previous local area studies reflect a general pattern. For example, in one New Jersey city the highest alcohol density was found in one of the wealthiest neighborhoods. A Chicago study found such disparities; however, the city council there has passed one of the nation’s toughest anti-alcohol billboard ordinances because of a perceived disparity.
                Using census data, a recent national study by the Rand Corporation looked at the association between residential socioeconomic characteristics and alcohol outlet density in over 9000 urban zip codes. Results showed that blacks faced higher density of liquor stores than did whites. The density of liquor stores and bars is greater among non-whites in lower income areas than among whites in either lower or higher-income areas or non-whites in higher income areas.
                The study concludes that mismatches between alcohol demand and the supply of liquor stores within urban neighborhoods constitute an environmental injustice for minorities and lower income persons, with potential adverse consequences for drinking behavior and other social ills.

(Romney, J, Cohen, D, Ringel, J, Sturm, R, Alcohol and environmental justice: The density of liquor stores and bars in urban neighborhoods in the United States. Journal of Studies on Alcohol & Drugs 68: 48-55, 2007)

Editor’s Ratings: S=4, V=3, O=3

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