More Liquor, More Problems

“A higher density of alcohol sales outlets in an area means closer proximity and easier availability to an intoxicating substance for residents. Perhaps just as importantly, alcohol outlets provide a greater number of potentially deviant places. Convenience stores licensed to sell alcohol may be especially troublesome in this regard, as they often serve not only as sources of alcohol but also as local gathering places with little formal social control.”
-Indiana University professor William Alex Pridemore discusses his new study which shows that there is a correlation between the number of locations in which one can buy alcohol in a neighborhood and the rate of violence in that neighborhood. As it turns out, the more places you can buy alcohol, the more assaults you’re going to see. Which, you know, wow, who knew?