Study Finds Reduced Alcohol Sale Hours Lead to Significant Drop in Violent Crime

A recent study in Baltimore shows a 51% decrease in homicides and a 23% reduction in overall violent crime after limiting bar operating hours.

A study conducted by Boston University researchers and published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals that reducing the hours alcohol is sold in bars and taverns significantly decreases violent crime.
In a Baltimore neighborhood, limiting alcohol sales to 13 hours a day from the previous 20 hours led to a 51% drop in homicides within the first month and a 23% annual reduction in all violent crimes.
The legislation altering alcohol sale hours in Baltimore saved the city an estimated $18.2 million annually in crime-related costs.
Researchers highlight the importance of population-based alcohol policies in violence prevention, supporting the World Health Organization’s recommendations.
The findings are considered particularly significant given the increase in crime and alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting that such policies could be effective in other cities.