Research about alcohol sheds light on its impact on individuals and communities. The availability of alcohol can have broad social and economic impacts, based on both how many places sell alcohol (density) as well as how it is sold (on- vs. off-premises). Moreover, alcohol misuse is costly to society and the more alcohol that is available, the more that is consumed.
Impact of Density on Health & Safety Outcomes
Density of places selling alcohol have been associated with a variety of negative outcomes, including:
• Hospital admissions for alcohol-related illnesses and injuries
• Domestic violence
• Assaults
• Child abuse
• Car crashes and related injuries
• Underage drinking
Location of Alcohol Sales
- People in areas with more off-premise outlets (e.g., grocery or liquor stores) consume more alcohol than those in areas with fewer such outlets.
- Alcohol sold in grocery stores or liquor stores tends to be cheaper and sold in greater amounts than alcohol sold in bars, breweries, or restaurants (i.e., on-premise outlets). Cheaper prices contribute to heavier drinking.
- For example, a pint of beer at a pub or craft brewery is much more expensive than a bottle of beer purchased from an off-premise outlet like a supermarket
- Alcohol sold in grocery stores or liquor stores tends to be cheaper and sold in greater amounts than alcohol sold in bars, breweries, or restaurants (i.e., on-premise outlets). Cheaper prices contribute to heavier drinking.
- Multiple studies (1, 2) have shown that underage youth report that it is easier to steal from grocery stores than liquor stores or on-premise outlets (e.g., bars) because it is easier to hide in the aisles, the locked tops can be broken off, and employees are unlikely to pursue because of no-chase policies.
- College students, and especially underage youth, consume more alcohol when in private settings (i.e., bought at off-premise outlets) than in bars.
Economic Costs of Alcohol Misuse
- In 2010, alcohol misuse cost the U.S. $249 billion; binge drinking accounts for 75% of the total cost, while underage drinking accounts for 9% of the total cost.
- According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, Colorado taxpayers spent an estimated $6.8 billion as a result of excessive alcohol use in 2022.
Additional Resources
The Research-to-Policy Collaboration (RPC) works to bring together research professionals and public officials to support evidence-based policy. Please visit their website to learn more.
Key Information
RPC Website
Research-to-Policy Collaboration
Publication DateFebruary 28, 2025
Topic Area(s)Substance Use and Misuse
Resource TypeWritten Briefs
Share This Page
Research about alcohol sheds light on its impact on individuals and communities. The availability of alcohol can have broad social and economic impacts, based on both how many places sell alcohol (density) as well as how it is sold (on- vs. off-premises). Moreover, alcohol misuse is costly to society and the more alcohol that is available, the more that is consumed.
Impact of Density on Health & Safety Outcomes
Density of places selling alcohol have been associated with a variety of negative outcomes, including:
• Hospital admissions for alcohol-related illnesses and injuries
• Domestic violence
• Assaults
• Child abuse
• Car crashes and related injuries
• Underage drinking
Location of Alcohol Sales
- People in areas with more off-premise outlets (e.g., grocery or liquor stores) consume more alcohol than those in areas with fewer such outlets.
- Alcohol sold in grocery stores or liquor stores tends to be cheaper and sold in greater amounts than alcohol sold in bars, breweries, or restaurants (i.e., on-premise outlets). Cheaper prices contribute to heavier drinking.
- For example, a pint of beer at a pub or craft brewery is much more expensive than a bottle of beer purchased from an off-premise outlet like a supermarket
- Alcohol sold in grocery stores or liquor stores tends to be cheaper and sold in greater amounts than alcohol sold in bars, breweries, or restaurants (i.e., on-premise outlets). Cheaper prices contribute to heavier drinking.
- Multiple studies (1, 2) have shown that underage youth report that it is easier to steal from grocery stores than liquor stores or on-premise outlets (e.g., bars) because it is easier to hide in the aisles, the locked tops can be broken off, and employees are unlikely to pursue because of no-chase policies.
- College students, and especially underage youth, consume more alcohol when in private settings (i.e., bought at off-premise outlets) than in bars.
Economic Costs of Alcohol Misuse
- In 2010, alcohol misuse cost the U.S. $249 billion; binge drinking accounts for 75% of the total cost, while underage drinking accounts for 9% of the total cost.
- According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, Colorado taxpayers spent an estimated $6.8 billion as a result of excessive alcohol use in 2022.
Additional Resources
The Research-to-Policy Collaboration (RPC) works to bring together research professionals and public officials to support evidence-based policy. Please visit their website to learn more.
Key Information
RPC Website
Research-to-Policy Collaboration
Publication DateFebruary 28, 2025
Topic Area(s)Substance Use and Misuse
Resource TypeWritten Briefs
Share This Page
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