'Down with Demon Drink!': Strategies for Resolving Liquor Outlet Overconcentration in Urban Areas
70 Pages Posted: 8 May 2018
Date Written: 1994
Abstract
This article examines various options available to local citizens to resolve the liquor store overconcentration problem. The "city's interest in attempting to preserve the quality of urban life is one that must be accorded high respect. Moreover, the city must be allowed a reasonable opportunity to experiment with solutions to admittedly serious problems.” On the other hand, liquor store owners argue that their property rights are being trampled on, and that they should not be held responsible for the societal ills caused by poverty and unemployment. Los Angeles has been forced to confront this issue directly as a result of the 1992 riots and the subsequent rebuilding process. Because of this recent activity, this article often focuses on California's attempts to resolve the problem. Part II of this article describes several existing models of public regulation of retail liquor sales. Part III explores the role of private control of retail liquor sales, including the application of nuisance law, private covenants, and community activism and redevelopment. Part IV concludes by offering recommendations as to how an inner city can most effectively reduce the social impact of the overconcentration of liquor stores within its community.
Keywords: liquor stores, liquor sales, overconcentration, quality of life, property right, poverty, nuisance law, private covenant
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