J Public Health Manag Pract
June 2024
Objectives: Complementing the extensive research literature demonstrating that increased alcohol outlet density is associated with excessive alcohol consumption and related harms, this article synthesizes information on the types of alcohol outlet density restrictions in US state-level laws.
Design: Statutes and regulations related to alcohol outlet density in all 50 states and the District of Columbia in effect as of January 1, 2022, were collected using Westlaw. State-level density restrictions were coded according to 4 variables and overlaid with existing research on state-specific local authority to regulate outlet density.
Objective: Building on the extensive research literature demonstrating that increasing alcohol prices reduces excessive alcohol consumption and related harms, this article presents the results of a 50-state review of local authority to tax alcohol in the United States.
Method: Between 2013 and 2015, legal databases and government websites were reviewed to collect and analyze relevant statutes, ordinances, and case law. Results reflect laws in effect as of January 1, 2015.