Opinion Editorial-in response to “Liquor Licenses May Increase in Salinas” posted 5/30/13 on KION Central Coast News

The City of Salinas took a step in the right direction a decade ago when they addressed the alcohol density issue in the community by implementing a one-to-one trade out for liquor licenses. Council Member McShane is quoted in KION’s May 30th article as acknowledging the alcohol outlet density issue in Salinas: "Back ten to fifteen years ago, Salinas has a history of a large disproportional amount of liquor outlets in the area" says city council member, Steve McShane. "But the city took control of the problem back then", says McShane.

So why would the city want to move ‘backwards’ by removing this policy?

Economic boost is the stated reason by the council but the research indicates that the cost of increased outlets far outweigh any increase in revenues for the city.

Multiple research studies have shown that the number, density, location and operational practices of alcohol outlets affect the level of community violence, drinking-driving, injuries, underage drinking, public nuisance activities and other social problems. For instance, adding one bar to a block would result in 3.38 crimes committed on that block in a year, increase the risk of murder taking place on the block by 5%, and increase the risk of having a violent crime of any type by 17.6%[1].  The relationship between alcohol and neighborhood violence is clearly attributed to the problem of alcohol outlet density[2].

National alcohol policy expert James Mosher, JD agrees with local Salinas advocates. He believes that it is pertinent for Salinas to maintain its current, Alcohol Beverages Control recommended, outlet density policy for the sake of community safety. Mr. Mosher states: 

The research is clear: increasing the number of alcohol outlets in Salinas will result in increased violence and other public health and safety problems that will adversely affect the lives of residents and neighborhoods, particularly low income neighborhoods where problem alcohol outlets are more likely to locate.  Any monetary benefits for the city and

the merchants that result from increased sales of alcohol will be more than offset by the law enforcement and public health costs to the city associated with these problems.  The Centers for Disease Control has studied this issue extensively and recommends that local communities maintain strict limits on the density of alcohol outlets, which is Salinas’ current policy. 

Salinas learned these lessons two decades ago and took positive action.  The city should not have to learn the same lessons twice.”

The Santa Cruz County Community Prevention Partners (CPP) is also in agreement with Mr. Mosher and Salinas advocates. The CPP is a coalition of Santa Cruz County leaders and community members who’s mission is to build a diverse community that promotes health and well being, and enhance youth and community safety through sustainable alcohol and drug prevention efforts. CPP is currently working with each Santa Cruz County law enforcement agency and local leaders to address alcohol outlet density as it relates community crime and safety in Santa Cruz County.

As we work to address our own issues here in Santa Cruz County, the safety and wellbeing of our neighboring community is also of concern to us. As your neighbors in Santa Cruz County we hope that the decision to eradicate this very important policy and move Salinas back a decade will be considered carefully.

To learn more about Santa Cruz County Community Prevention Partners please contact Aimee Mangan, CPP Coordinator at amangan@health.co.santa-cruz.ca.us or (831) 454-5003.

By Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson, member of Santa Cruz County Community Prevention Partners

[1] Runcek, D. & Maier, P.  “Bars, blocks and crimes revisited: linking the theory of routine activities to the empiricism of ‘hot spots.'” Criminology (29) 4: 725-753. 1991.

[2] Stewart, Kathryn; Secretary's Youth Substance Abuse Initiative: Resource Papers, pgs. 107-158 (1997)