Where Alcohol Meets Robbery: Spatial Association Between Alcohol Facilities and Robbery Incidents

• In Event: Place and Spatial Conditions: Advancing Existing Evidence and Measurement

Abstract

The relationship between alcohol facilities and crime has long been a subject of criminological research. This study examines the spatial colocation patterns between alcohol facilities (bars, active drinking places, and alcohol stores) and robbery incidents in New Orleans for 2023 and 2024 using colocation analysis. The analysis assesses whether certain alcohol facilities are associated with a lower or higher risk of robberies. The study utilized routine activities theory to guide the analysis. Findings indicate that spatially isolated bars are at higher risk of robberies. In contrast, bars located within high-density nightlife districts, like the French Quarter are less associated with robberies, suggesting a dispersion of crime risk across a larger area and the presence of more capable guardians. Consistent with bars other active drinking places (restaurants, venues, arcades, etc.) that are isolated show a stronger association with robberies. Alcohol stores near the French Quarter are more associated with robberies than those throughout the city. The results in New Orleans are consistent with previous studies on the colocation of alcohol facilities and crime (Huang, et al., 2025).

Authors

• Ryan Bagwell, University of Southern Mississippi

• Kayla Stan, University of Southern Mississippi

• Allison G. Kondrat, Sam Houston State University

• Wanda E. Leal, Sam Houston State University

• Alex R. Piquero, University of Miami