A Case Study of Local Efforts to Restrict Malt Liquor

Objective: A major aim of our study was to learn how the local context affects a city's ability to regulate alcohol products such as high-alcohol content malt liquor, a beverage associated with heavy drinking and a spectrum of nuisance crimes in urban areas. Methods: We conducted a qualitative case study comparing cities that adopted policies to restrict malt liquor sales with cities that considered, but did not adopt policies in 9 large U.S. cities in 7 states. Qualitative data were obtained from key informant interviews (n=56) and media articles (n=360). Key informants included City legislators and staff, alcohol enforcement personnel, police, neighborhood groups, business associations, alcohol retailers and industry representatives. Similarities and differences in major themes among and across Adopted and Considered cities were identified. Results: Cities faced multiple barriers in addressing malt liquor-related problems, including a lack of enforcement tools, alcohol industry opposition, and a lack of public and political will for alcohol control. Compared to cities that did not adopt malt liquor sales restrictions, cities that adopted restrictions appeared to have a stronger public mandate for a policy, and were less influenced by alcohol industry opposition and a lack of legislative authority for alcohol control. Strategies common to successful policymaking efforts are also discussed. Conclusion: Understanding the local context may be a critical step in winning support for local alcohol control policies.