Example #1: H.E.A.T. Report: Place and Health - Wyandotte County, Kansas Video: Place & Health - Geopgrahy and the Social Determinants of Health (Liquorlining and the lack of healthy choices). Example #2: Another Soda Tax Success Story: Sugary Beverage Consumption Drops in San Francisco San Francisco’s sugar sweetened beverage (SSB) tax is working as intended, according to a new study published in PLOS Global Public Health by the Public Health Institute’s Prevention Policy Group. Consumption of SSBs declined markedly (34%) in San Francisco in the first two years after implementation of a soda tax on January 1st, 2018, in the areas studied. SSB taxes have been gaining momentum worldwide as policies to address the negative health effects of sugary drinks by creating financial incentives to help consumers make healthier choices, promote healthier reformulation by industry, and raise revenue for building healthy communities. Read more. Example #3: Linking Alcohol Outlet Density to Violence in Baltimore Recent research highlights the troubling connection between alcohol outlet density and gun violence, particularly in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Pamela Trangenstein of the Public Health Institute (PHI) discusses how neighborhoods with a higher concentration of liquor stores often experience elevated levels of violence. These findings align with broader research indicating that alcohol availability contributes to community-level harms, including gun violence, domestic abuse, and assaults. The Baltimore Context In Baltimore, the clustering of liquor stores in disadvantaged neighborhoods amplifies systemic inequities. Many of these outlets operate in areas already burdened by poverty, under-resourced public services, and high crime rates, creating a dangerous cycle of harm. Residents often express concerns about the role these businesses play in fueling violence, while policymakers grapple with how to regulate alcohol sales without harming small business owners. Research and Policy Implications Dr. Trangenstein emphasizes that reducing alcohol outlet density is a proven public health strategy to decrease violence. Local governments can implement zoning regulations, limit the number of new liquor licenses, or incentivize businesses to diversify their offerings. These policy changes, paired with community advocacy, can help disrupt the link between alcohol sales and violence while fostering safer environments. Broader Lessons Baltimore’s example underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of violence through comprehensive public health approaches. Tackling alcohol outlet density is not just about regulating businesses; it is about investing in community resilience, reducing disparities, and creating equitable opportunities for health and safety. For more details, read Dr. Trangenstein’s insights via the PHI press release and explore the full investigative story by The Trace on Baltimore's gun violence and liquor stores.
