Alcohol Ban and Crime: The ABCs of the Bihar Prohibition
Chaudhuri, Kalyani
Alcohol Ban and Crime: The ABCs of the Bihar Prohibition - Economic Development and Cultural Change 2024 - 1795-1827
We study the relationship between alcohol consumption and crime after an alcohol prohibition in Bihar, India, in 2016. Using a difference-in-differences approach, we explore the differential effects of alcohol on different crime types. We find that the prohibition led to a 0.22 standard deviation point reduction in reported violent crimes without significantly affecting nonviolent crimes. Heterogeneity tests reveal stronger effects in interior districts and in districts with higher baseline alcohol consumption or fewer religious restrictions on alcohol consumption. Thus, we conclude that the ban affected crime by reducing alcohol availability and consumption rather than through institutional changes.
0013-0079
Alcohol Availability
Alcohol Ban
Alcohol Consumption
Bihar Prohibition
Crime
Heterogeneity
Alcohol Ban and Crime: The ABCs of the Bihar Prohibition - Economic Development and Cultural Change 2024 - 1795-1827
We study the relationship between alcohol consumption and crime after an alcohol prohibition in Bihar, India, in 2016. Using a difference-in-differences approach, we explore the differential effects of alcohol on different crime types. We find that the prohibition led to a 0.22 standard deviation point reduction in reported violent crimes without significantly affecting nonviolent crimes. Heterogeneity tests reveal stronger effects in interior districts and in districts with higher baseline alcohol consumption or fewer religious restrictions on alcohol consumption. Thus, we conclude that the ban affected crime by reducing alcohol availability and consumption rather than through institutional changes.
0013-0079
Alcohol Availability
Alcohol Ban
Alcohol Consumption
Bihar Prohibition
Crime
Heterogeneity