Perceptions of policy change: Hispanics speak out on the 1998 New Mexico drive-up liquor window closure

Abstract

Public health policies are intended to influence behaviors, and should be in accordance with differing cultures and social, legal and economic environments (WHO, 2000). However, studies of whether policy changes differentially affect minority populations are rare. Hispanics are the fastest growing ethnic group in the USA, and are over-represented among those arrested for driving while impaired (DWI). The relationship between the availability of alcohol and alcohol-related problem behaviors has been established. Drive-up liquor window sales may facilitate drinking and driving, and may be disproportionately found in minority neighborhoods. In 1998 New Mexico (NM) became the twenty-seventh state to close drive-up liquor windows. This study examines how the closure was perceived by Hispanics versus people of other ethnicities. We conducted a telephone survey followed by a mailed questionnaire. The telephone survey was completed by 108 residents from four NM communities, and the mailed survey was responded to by 133 residents living within two blocks of a closed liquor window. Many Hispanic telephone-survey respondents felt the closures only effect on the community was reducing DWI crashes (44%). Respondents of other ethnicities were more likely to be unsure of its effects. Mailed-survey results of Hispanics indicate similar views, with 48% reporting that the closure reduced DWI crashes. Respondents of other ethnicities more often felt the closure had little effect on the neighborhood. The qualitative analysis revealed three themes: ‘zero tolerance;’ ‘ineffective;’ and ‘right track.’ Hispanics generally thought the closure was an ineffective means of addressing the DWI problem, while respondents of other ethnicities felt the closure was a step in the right direction. Respondents living closest to the former drive-up windows strongly felt the closure resulted in safer streets, less noise, fewer accidents, and less ‘wild driving.’