This addresses three research questions about retail markets for alcoholic beverages. First, how do market size and regulation affect the competitiveness and number of onsite (bars and restaurants) and offsite (liquor stores) sellers? Second, how is the spatial distribution of sellers determined in these markets? Third, to what extent does the degree of competitiveness and spatial distribution of alcohol sellers affect individuals’ consumption of alcoholic beverages? To address these questions, we will use the 1990 and 2000 decennial censuses, the 1987–2002 Economic Censuses, the American Housing Survey for 1985–2001, and the Longitudinal Business Database for 1985–2002.
We expect that our study will yield multiple benefits to the U.S. Census Bureau. First, our analysis will enhance understanding of the data and improve the quality of data. Second, we will improve the accuracy of links across time or entities for establishments in specific industries that the Census Bureau surveys. Third, we will identify the shortcomings of current data collection programs and document new data collection needs. Fourth, we will prepare estimates of the population and characteristics of the population.
Frank Sloan
David Ridley