Quantifying the Local and Spatial Effects of Bars on Crime

• In Event: Alcohol and Crime

Abstract

This paper provides estimates of the effects that bars increase crime locally and diffuse crime into nearby areas. Using data on Part 1 crimes at micro place street segments and intersections in Washington D.C., it is estimated that bars increase crime locally by one Part 1 crime per year, but that the *cumulative* effect of the diffusion increases crime by two in neighboring micro places in toto. I also provide estimates of the selection of bars into criminogenic areas using burglaries as a non-equivalent dependent variable. This analysis suggests that 25% of the estimated effect of bars is due to selection.

Author

• Andrew Palmer Wheeler, The University of Texas at Dallas