State Advertising Bans, Monopoly, and Alcohol Demand: Testing for Substitution Effects Using Panel Data

Pennsylvania State U, Econ. Working Paper No. 1-01-1

31 Pages Posted: 27 Feb 2002

See all articles by Jon P. Nelson

Jon P. Nelson

Pennsylvania State University - College of the Liberal Arts - Department of Economic

Date Written: June 2001

Abstract

Using a panel of 45 states for the period 1982-97, this study analyzes the importance of several restrictive alcohol regulations, including advertising bans for billboards, bans of price advertising, state monopoly control of retail stores, and changes in the minimum legal drinking age. In contrast to previous research, the study allows for substitution among beverages as a response to a regulation that targets a specific beverage. A restrictive law that applies only to one beverage (or one form of advertising) can result in substitution toward other beverages (and other media). Allowing for substitution means that the net effect on total alcohol consumption is unceertain, and must be ascertained empirically. The empirical results demonstrate that monopoly control of spirits reduces consumption of that beverage, and increases consumption of wine. The effect on beer is positive, but is not statistically significant. The net effect on total alcohol is signifcantly negative. Higher minimum legal drinking age laws have negative effects on beverage and total alcohol consumption. Partial bans of advertising do not reduce total alcohol consumption, which reflects in part substitution effects.

Keywords: alcohol, advertising bans, regulation

JEL Classification: K32, L81, M3

Suggested Citation

Nelson, Jon P., State Advertising Bans, Monopoly, and Alcohol Demand: Testing for Substitution Effects Using Panel Data (June 2001). Pennsylvania State U, Econ. Working Paper No. 1-01-1, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=301532 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.301532

Jon P. Nelson (Contact Author)

Pennsylvania State University - College of the Liberal Arts - Department of Economic ( email )

Kern Graduate Building
University Park, PA 16802-3306
United States
814-237-0157 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://econ.la.psu.edu/people/jpn

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