Outlet density is hypothesized to affect excessive alcohol
consumption and related harms by changing physical access
to alcohol (i.e., either increasing or decreasing proximity to
alcohol retailers), thus changing the distance that drinkers
need to travel to obtain alcohol or to return home after
drinking. Increases in the density of on-premises outlets can
also alter social aggregation, which may adversely affect those
who are or who have been drinking excessively, leading to
aggressive or violent behavior (Figure 1). With alcoholic
beverages acquired in off-premises settings, the consumption
more often occurs at the purchaser’s home, and excessive
consumption may be associated with domestic violence and
suicidal behavior.