Does Alcohol Outlet Density Affect Youth Access to Alcohol?

Abstract 

Purpose

To investigate how community alcohol outlet density may be associated with alcohol access among adolescents.

Methods

Data were collected through a three-wave panel study with youth aged 14–16 at baseline using computer-assisted telephone interviews. Study participants were recruited from 50 zip codes with varying alcohol outlet density and median household income in California. Data analyses were conducted using multilevel, linear growth models and data from 1028 youth (52% male, 51% white).

Results

After taking into account individual-level factors and zip code median household income, zip code alcohol outlet density was significantly and positively related to the initial levels of the likelihood and frequency of getting alcohol through various sources including commercial outlets, shoulder tapping, home or family members, and underage acquaintances.

Conclusions

High levels of alcohol outlets in the community enable youth access to alcohol through commercial outlets, family, and social networks.

Keywords: Alcohol outlet density, Alcohol access, Availability of alcohol, Adolescent