Analyzing alcohol outlet density in Utah: A health impact analysis

Utah legislators are considering reducing the population quotas for alcohol retail outlet licenses. It is expected that such a policy change would increase both the number of available licenses and the amount of alcohol consumed, thereby impacting community health outcomes. This Health Impact Assessment (HIA) presents a prioritization of the available evidence and stakeholder input to guide alcohol policy and improve community health.

In the screening stage of the HIA, the value to Utah legislators and the feasibility of conducting an HIA on alcohol retail density limits were assessed. In the scoping stage, representatives from the Utah Restaurant Association, Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Utah County Health Department, and Substance Misuse and Abuse Reduction Team Coalition assisted in developing research questions, selecting health priorities, and identifying data sources. During the assessment stage, evidence related to the health impacts of the policy was synthesized according to Health Impact Assessment: A Guide for Practice. Economic data analysis determined the utility of the policy.  

Although it was determined in the assessment that greater alcohol retail outlet density in Utah would result in adverse health effects, the proposed policy is unlikely to affect outlet density. In the recommendations stage, stakeholder input prioritized alternative strategies that promote health while maintaining existing limits. In the reporting and monitoring stages, it was recommended that policymakers maintain existing density quotas. Alternatively, potential mitigating policies include requiring trial periods for new alcohol retail licenses, increasing excise taxes, and maintaining restrictions on hours and places of alcohol sales.

Learning Areas:

Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Public health or related laws, regulations, standards, or guidelines
Public health or related public policy
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Describe the Health Impact Assessment Process Discuss the impact of current alcohol density limits in Utah. Identify potential public health impacts of adjusting alcohol retail limits in Utah. List alternatives to adjusting alcohol retail license density limits.

Keyword(s): Alcohol Use, Public Health Policy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to be an abstract Author on the content I am responsible for because I was co-leader in conducting this health impact assessment on alcohol density laws and was the person responsible for submitting this abstract to APHA.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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