Alcohol outlet density is typically controlled by states.
Under state jurisdiction, outlet density may be regulated
at the local level through licensing and zoning
regulations, including restrictions on the use and development
of land.6 This regulation may be proactive as
part of a community development plan, or in response
to specific issues or concerns raised by community
leaders. However, local control can be limited by state
pre-emption laws, in which state governments explicitly
or implicitly curtail the ability of local authorities toregulate outlet expansion.7 Thus, both state and local
policies need to be considered when assessing factors
that affect outlet density