Citation
Fletcher, J. M. (2019). Estimating causal effects of alcohol access and use on a broad set of risky behaviors: Regression discontinuity evidence.
Contemporary Economic Policy. vol. 37 (3) pp. 427-448
Abstract
A growing body of evidence suggests large increases in criminal behavior and mortality coinciding with a young adult's 21st birthday, when alcohol consumption becomes legal. The policy implications from these findings have focused on the need to reduce drinking among young people, potentially by enforcing stricter alcohol controls. However, mortality and arrests are relatively infrequent outcomes and relatively less is known about the intermediate and more prevalent consequences of legal access to alcohol at age 21. This paper uses the Add Health data combined with a regression discontinuity approach to examine the effects of alcohol access on sexual behavior, drunk driving, violence, and other outcomes. The results suggest relatively large effects that appear concentrated in men. The sample also allows some suggestive policy implications on whether changing the minimum drinking age may reduce these consequences. (JEL I12, I18). © 2018 Western Economic Association International
URL
https://doi.org/10.1111/coep.12405Notes
Export Date: 21 September 2018 Article in Press
Reference Type
Journal Article
Journal Title
Contemporary Economic Policy
Author(s)
Fletcher, J. M.
Year Published
2019
Volume Number
37
Issue Number
3
Pages
427-448
Edition
September 05, 2018
DOI
10.1111/coep.12405
Reference ID
7024
