In subsequent work, we examined the concentration of liquor stores in Los
Angeles County, using data from the 1987 Census of Retail Trade. The first map shows
the distribution of liquor stores in 1987. The distribution of liquor stores
is highly concentrated in the central core of the county, particularly in South
Central Los Angeles. On the other hand, the population density of the central
core is higher.
To correct for this, we calculate liquor store density. The
second map shows liquor stores on a per capita basis. As seen, while there
is still a higher concentration in the central core of Los Angeles County, the
pattern is much more complex.
Many other areas of the county have a high
concentration and many areas in South Central Los Angeles have low densities.
This probably indicates that liquor stores are concentrated in commercial areas
and that these distributed in certain locales. While liquor stores represent a major problem for poorer communities, the
problem is exacerbated because there are relatively few other retail businesses.
Consequently, liquor stores represent a higher proportion of businesses in
low income communities.
We have examined the distribution of liquor stores in Los Angeles County. In
our 1983-85 study of bus crime in west central Los Angeles, we documented one major
intersection in Hollywood where there was a heavy of concentration of bars, adult book shops,
massage parlors, liquor stores, game arcades, drug trading, prostitution, and transient hotels.
A transit crime task force was established in 1985-86 to examine ways of improving
security around dangerous bus stops. See the study report: