Observational study of the association between diverse licensed premises types and alcohol-related violence in an inner-London borough

• Published in: Journal of epidemiology and community health (1979) 2020-12, Vol.74 (12), p.1016-1022
• Main Authors: Boshari, Talia, Sharpe, Carolyn A, Poots, Alan J, Watt, Hillary, Rahman, Saifur, Pinder, Richard J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aggression; Alcohol; Alcohols; Assaults; Crime; Datasets; Domestic violence; Drinking behavior; Hypotheses; Intelligence; Law enforcement; Licensing; Observational studies; Original research; Public domain; Public health; public health policy; Public safety; violence
• ISSN: 0143-005X; 1470-2738
• DOI: 10.1136/jech-2020-213840

BackgroundAn ecological correlation has been observed between licensed premises and alcohol-related violence (ARV). In the UK to date, no evidence directly connects alcohol-related harm to a single premises type. Recent policies have called for a diversified alcohol offer, yet quantitative evidence in support remains sparse. This study aims to inform policy by determining whether diversification of the alcohol economy is desirable and to inform the licensing process and submission of public health evidence.MethodsUsing 11 years of local licensing data from the London Borough of Southwark, alcohol availability over time was approximated by the number of extant alcohol licences, categorised by outlet type: drinking establishments, eateries, takeaways, off-sales and ‘other’. Harm was quantified drawing on law enforcement intelligence that recorded ARV. A linked data set was analysed using negative binomial regression, contrasting cumulative impact zones (CIZ)—a common alcohol control policy—with non-CIZ geographies.ResultsEach licensed drinking establishment was associated with a 1.6% (95% CI 0.7% to 2.6%; p=0.001) increase in ARV, respectively. ‘Other’ outlets had a protective effect and were associated with a 1.8% (95% CI 1.0% to 2.5%; p