| By: |
Grönqvist, Hans (Swedish Institute for Social Research, Stockholm University);
Niknami, Susan (Swedish Institute for Social Research, Stockholm University) |
| Abstract: |
In February 2000, the Swedish state monopoly alcohol retail company launched a
large scale experiment in which all stores in selected counties were allowed
to keep open on Saturdays. We assess the effects on crime of this expansion in
access to alcohol. To isolate the impact of the experiment from other factors,
we compare conviction rates in age cohorts above and below the national
drinking age restriction in counties where the experiment had been
implemented, and contrast these differences to those in counties that still
prohibited weekend alcohol commerce. Our analysis relies on extensive
individual conviction data that have been merged to population registers.
After demonstrating that Saturday opening of alcohol shops significantly
raised alcohol sales, we show that it also increased crime. The increase is
confined to crimes committed on Saturdays and is driven by illegal activity
among individuals with low ability and among persons with fathers that have
completed at least some secondary education. Although the increases in crime
and alcohol sales were slightly higher during the initial phase of the
experiment, our evidence suggests that both effects persist over time. Our
analysis reveals that the social costs linked to the experiment exceed the
monetary benefits. |
| Keywords: |
Delinquency; Alcohol laws; Substance use |
| JEL: |
K42 |
| Date: |
2011–08–02 |
| URL: |
http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hhs:sofiwp:2011_009&r=law |