Sunday, May 13, 2012

Effect of Pro-Alcohol Environments in Small Town Bars and Clubs


INTRODUCTION
Bars and clubs can be found to have a reputation for a place facilitating and/or creating crime. Due to their nature to encourage and accept drunkenness, along with other taboo activities shunned upon by most traditional societies; this lifestyle that has not been accepted for many years around the world is now a norm. A human’s desire to leave the mind has led us to seek ways of doing so that are becoming more and more dangerous. The inability for self-control and natural remedies to clear and free oneself from life and its heart aches is creating devastating effects on society as a whole.
Metropolitan bars and clubs can be found to be different than those in rural areas. The significant difference in population size is a major factor for this. Small towns tend to have a family relationship within its community. The people within a small town tend to have stronger connections with each other and interact more on a regular basis. Unlike, those in larger cities one is unaware of most people because of the lack of regular interaction present to familiarize oneself. People’s awareness and knowing of one another tends to bring a more comfortable, loose/lack environment. These environments can be found in small town businesses and places of entertainment.
This research paper explores how small town bars and clubs facilitate and create the opportunity for alcohol-related crimes such as drinking and driving. Two bars located in Enid, Oklahoma were observed both inside and outside; comparing their environmental surrounding, personal structure, and flow of business. These places provide information, in not only, understanding the problem but providing solutions as well.
The first bar observed was Crappy’s Warehouse located at 302 East Maple Avenue Enid, OK. The second bar observed was Scooter’s located at 3630 N Van Buren Enid, OK. Crappy’s warehouse is a bar/club that sits off of 3rd street; a small alley giving access between Elm and Maple Street. To the east of the building is an open field covered with trees, to the west can be found an old abandoned warehouse that stretches from Maple to Elm Street. There are no light poles or any other source of light in this area except for the light on the front of the bar above the door. At night this area is pitch dark from about 2 feet from the bottom of the steps, leading to the door, out to the parking lot facing Elm Street. Someone not familiar with this place could find the area quite frightening at night. Upon entering this facility through the front door you are greeted with another door but locked. To your right is a window where an off-duty officer can be found to check your id and take payment for entering the establishment. On special nights such as Friday and Saturday you can pay $8 dollars to drink,as much as you like, select domestic beers from 8pm-12pm. Within this particular establishment, outside of the off-duty officer located at the front, there are no other sources of security present. The exit to this establishment is the same door used as the entrance; one way in, one way out.
The second bar/club observed, Scooters, is located directly on a service road of a highway. It is in a more open area than that of Crappy’s and is surrounded by an open field. Scooter’s is considered more of a club than bar, due to its accompanying, a large dance floor. Scooter’s seems to target a younger adult audience. The design of this club is created where the parking lot surrounds the entire structure except the back.
There are light poles located on the outer perimeter of the parking lot providing slightly adequate lighting. Due to the parking lot being so big and spacious the light does not project to the middle of the perimeter where the building is located. Before entering the establishment you can observe security present outside the front door to greet you along with a van labeled “Scooter Wagon.” This van provides free-of-charge rides home to customers who have drank too much. Upon, entering the facility to your left you are greeted with security personnel and an employee of the club who checks your id and takes the payment for entry. Directly in front of you several feet away is another door where you can exit. Within this hallway, between the entrance and exit doors in the middle is the opening into the club where the large dance floor can be noticed, accompanied by two bars on opposite ends. Within that room more security can be found wearing a brownish t-shirt that has the name of the club on front and “security” on the back. This establishment also has specials on Wednesday and Saturday where you pay $10 dollars and can drink select domestic beers from 8pm-12pm.
Looking at the bar and club in Enid we can see how, if any, the effect of a pro-alcohol environment and acceptance of over indulging, can have on one facility without proper preventions set in place.
CRIME PROBLEM
Bars and other drinking facilities have been known to be places associated with aggressive, disorderly conduct from its consumers (Green and Plant, 2006). They can also be recognized as the major starting points where drinking and driving occur. Drinking and driving is a problem faced in American society. Alcohol and its availability, legally, create a contradictory social issue amongst its citizens. You can find advertisements that promote drinking from a range of different companies; along with small written notes to drink responsibly while doing so. Alcohol can be found in numerous types of businesses, like those that serve both the community and families. Many of these businesses such as restaurants, sporting facilities, bars and clubs, convenient stores, and liquor stores all provide access to alcohol but provide no monitoring on what the consumer does with it or how they use it. Furthermore, these businesses force consumers to figure out a means of transportation to leave the business because the closing time. This creates a risk for the customer and other bystanders, but it also produces an opportunity to commit a crime. For example, if consumers have participated in the club/bar’s alcohol specials, as intended, the result is a consumer that has alcohol in their system which majority of the time is over the legal limit for public intoxication. Intoxication over the legal limit can result in criminal penalties like DUI or DWI.
BAC, blood alcohol content, is the measure of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream. This is the way law enforcement measure individual’s alcohol intake and determine if he/she is over the legal limit. According to the State of Oklahoma, the BAC for driver’s driving intoxicated is anything .08% and higher but one is considered impaired at the .05% level and can be charged with DUI penalties if found between .05 and .08%. To reach this level one only needs to intake one 12 ounce beer or one 4 oz glass of wine. It is said, it takes one hour for either amounts to leave the system and the individual be capable of functioning appropriately. This information provides us with insight on the reality that most people consume beyond the impaired limit. Most specials, such as happy hour, prompt the consumer to indulge in certain spirits within an allotted time for a special price; a usually significant discount from the original price, motivating consumers to participate in this what seems to be “to good of a deal to pass up.”Also, if one notices at an establishment that serves alcohol, the waiters or bartenders tend to consistently ask if you want another drink when they notice your first glass is almost empty. Some personnel will actually take the initiative to bring you another round without consent. Pro-alcohol messages are a concern since, alcohol advertising is positively associated with drinking and related problems, point-of-purchase advertising appears to be used to aggressively market alcohol and contribute to a pro-alcohol environment (Howard, Flora, Schleicher and Gonzalez, 2004). Every industry related to alcohol; marketing, political, and more, must begin to understand this contradictory means of enjoyment and how it has become a problem. This also shows us that whether consciously or unconsciously, the care for one reaching the impaired limit does not exist from the establishment that is the cause for the impairment. According to the International Center of Alcohol Policies, “Heavy alcohol use is correlated with problem behavior in some bars, at sporting events, and in other public places, because individuals interested in heavy drinking are also often interested in other risky behaviors and congregate in places where both are acceptable and expected.”
If the scale of awareness is as great as it is on the problems caused from these establishments and alcohol, why are major actions not being taken? We are so quick to try to do away with other things said to be harmful, yet they show no significant fatal documentation, unlike those of tobacco and alcohol reports. What we have seen to cause significant amounts of death and heartache over decades of time, we still allow to be freely available.
LITERATURE OF REVIEW
The bar is firmly established as an important leisure activity in many societies. It has long been apparent that heavy drinking in bars is associated with aggression, violence, public disorder and injuries” (Green and Plant, 2006). Although, these establishments are areas of leisure and pleasure, they come with a price not worth the cost. Each year more than 100,000 Americans die from alcohol related deaths, annual costs of health care and lost productivity from alcohol-related deaths, injuries, and illness are estimated at more than $148 billion (Howard et al., 2004). The question must be asked and the line drawn between money and well-being: Which is more important, the well-being of the business or the consumer? Most know the answer to this question from observing our current society, money is more important than values, safety, time, and even family now. Therefore, the attention must be focused to a more reasonable question and solution. Why do these forms of crime exist amongst these facilities? What is the explanation for the continuing of these crimes even when steps have been taken to reduce or eliminate the problem? Looking at several theories, such as routine activity and rational choice perspective, can help us answer these questions and better understand this problem.
Looking at the rational choice perspective theory it tells us that people have desires, beliefs, and needs. One will take the steps needed to fulfill these things. Therefore, criminal behavior is purposive and rational. Individuals will take the best steps available to them, to obtain their needs and wants. “Because crimes differ from one another, the factors weighed by offenders, and the variables influencing their decision-making, will also differ greatly with the nature of the offence.” (Wortley and Mazerolle, 2008) Looking at the everyday want and need to please oneself, this theory shows us how the choice to drive even though impaired is a rational choice. Consumers know the moment they decide to indulge in the consumption of alcohol, one’s intentions of only having one drink every hour is not present, but instead, to enjoy oneself by indulging to the point that is comfortable or desired for them. The density of alcohol outlets has also been found to be related to other alcohol problems such as drinking and driving (Stewart). Persons in groups that travel to an establishment for the consumption of alcohol can be found to designate a person that will be responsible by not drinking, and to return everyone to their designated location. Unfortunately, this does not happen all the time. There are also individuals who attend establishments like this on their own leaving them responsible for getting themselves home. Looking at couples that attend these establishments, both usually partake together in consumption, therefore, leaving both parties impaired and forcing one, depending on whose more intoxicated than the other to drive. People will decide not to commit crimes when the risks are too high or rewards are not adequate. In this case the reward is greater than the risk. For most people who drink, going over the .05% does not fully impair them to where they cannot drive functionally, so they will do so if necessary. One way that has been shown to help steer this mindset and create a zero tolerance, is the alert of sobriety check points in place, this is a method of situational crime prevention. The focus of prevention is targeted to the situation; people getting into their car and choosing to drive even though they are impaired and over the legal limit. Increasing the risks and removing excuses are techniques used to prevent crimes like these. By letting consumers know there will be stops increases the risk of getting caught, therefore reducing the reward.
Looking at routine activity theory it can help explain the aggressive behaviors, violence, and drug exchanges committed within these establishments. Routine activity approach tells us that in order for crime to occur a motivated offender and suitable target must be present with the lack of a capable guardian (Wortley and Mazerolle, 2008). Looking at Eck’s crime triangle, which consist of an inside and outside triangle shows us if the handle of the offender, guardian of the target/victim, and the manager of the place are absent, crime is feasible (Wortley and Mazerolle, 2008). In reference to drug exchanges at bars and clubs, one can understand and see the lack of capable guardian present to oversee and watch this problem. Due to the nature of security personnel focused on keeping orderly conduct, a window of opportunity is available for those who wish to do a quick exchange in the bathroom or exchange outside in the parking lot.
Fights that begin in clubs and other similar facilities usually begin where a large crowd of people are clustered together. All personal space cease to exist and one is forced usually into an uncomfortable state. What can start from non-verbal communication; can soon turn into the exchange of aggressive verbal communication and behavior. These clusters of people are the result of either the involvement of people from dancing on the dance floor, or the result of individuals who had enough time to exchange aggressive behavior and attract friends to form a cluster of individuals to meet in the same place at the same time. Therefore, the results of these actions create a crime problem. With the absence of security in this area at the appropriate time, both, the capable guardian of potential victims and the managers of the place are absent making the crime now feasible.
METHOD OF OBSERVATION
The researcher arrived about 12am on a Saturday at Crappy’s Warehouse to catch the late crowd. The researcher spent several minutes observing the outside structure and environment upon entering the bar. Upon noticing the dark field and ally the researcher observed one taxi car sitting to the west. No consumers were in site outside of the facility. To blend into the environment the researcher ordered a drink from the bar. After receiving the alcoholic beverage the researcher proceeded to sit at a table facing the west end. This choice of selection for sitting arrangements allowed the researcher to see the whole bar in front of her. To the left were the restrooms, one male and one female; to the right the bar, and behind the researcher, the wall.
After about an hour of observation and no crime noticed, the researcher observed an African American man walking suspiciously to the bathroom; next to were the researcher was sitting. After he entered the one stall bathroom, two white males ranging from ages 30-40 entered the stall as well. After several minutes passed, all men exited the small restroom area single file. Curious of the actions that had just taken place inside the restroom, the researchers hypothesis of what took place developed into a drug exchange between the African American male and the two Caucasian males. The reason for this conclusion is, first, the restrooms for both males and females only accommodate for one person being in there at a time. Therefore, if there is more than one person in the restroom at a time this tells us the other individuals must know the person already occupying the stall and has permission to be present. Due to the male’s ego, amongst other natural sources, the males need for company in a restroom facility outside of help is obsolete. Women of today’s society can be found doing this, but it is rare amongst the males. Therefore, bringing to light an understanding something else outside of the norm is occurring within this confined area. Second, the suspicious behaviors observed upon entering the restroom is of importance. When human-beings feel they are being watched or the opportunity of getting caught is present upon committing an illegal act, one becomes aware and scopes its surroundings; making it noticeable to the trained eye looking for this type of behavior. Therefore, the researcher’s hypothesis developed as is.
The second observation noted by the researcher was a girl observed intoxicated beyond the limit she was able to handle. She was observed being physically carried out by a gentleman because of her inability to walk. About 30 minutes later, the gentlemen and the woman were observed re-entering the bar. Clearly intoxicated beyond the limit of self-control, the woman was observed stumbling to the bar to order yet another alcoholic drink to consume. At no time was the woman rejected or cut off by any bartender.
A third observation, noted only due to full participant observation with other consumers at the bar, did the researcher observe verbal sexual harassment between employee’s and a boss of Little Debbies. The group the researcher joined in conversation, consisted of two younger Caucasian females in their early 20’s if not younger and one older Caucasian male in his older 40’s to early 50’s. The group could be observed as having indulged in a few drinks already; the older man seemingly was more intoxicated than the girls. Upon, engaging in their conversation of Enid and the area, small remarks that were considered jokes were exchanged between the older man; the boss, and the two girls who were the employees. These remarks consisted of statements of the girl’s sexual reputation. These remarks consisted of hearsay from other people and comments that the boss knew about her sexual partners and activities.
The same methods used to observe the first establishment was the same for the second, except for the addition of a camera to document. The researcher arrived at 12pm just like the previous observation on a Saturday. The researcher once again bought one drink at the bar; a Heineken beer, and found a table at the end of the room to sit at and observe. Located in the middle facing the dance floor with one bar to the left and one to the right the researcher had an open view of the complete club. Around 1:30 am when last call was being announced an aggressive fight began to take place. The researcher observed the brawl and noticed it was the same individuals noticed earlier exchanging a few words, but actions portrayed nothing of aggressive behavior. This fight that seemed to begin between two individuals, turned into a fight with more than 6 individuals involved. The researcher was able to capture a few pictures of the fight in action and afterwards, but felt very uncomfortable when doing so. 30 seconds after the fight began security personnel was noticed trying to gain control of the environment and restore order. Interestingly, it was observed that none of the individuals were escorted off the premises by security. Several of the individuals from the fight escorted themselves and others outside the premise, to what seemed to be the continuing of aggressive behavior. Within this time, shortly moments later another fight broke out. Once again security personnel tried to break things up and gain control, but failed to do so. In no time, the police were notified. After trying to move everyone out of the facility as quickly as possible the researcher noticed she was walking outside to no security personnel or police enforcement. While groups of people clustered in front of the parking area, exchanging threats and more, the researcher returned quickly to her car to continue further observation. The researcher did notice when exiting the building individuals where entering the van; courtesy shuttle for those who are too intoxicated, for rides home. Upon continuing her observation from the car the researcher noted several individuals waiting by the van as it left because it was full, these individuals where waiting for the van to come back to provide a ride home. The researcher also noted after about five minutes of people still gathering outside the front of the club and conversing; no police were present. Upon leaving the club, on the side service road two cop cars were observed parked at the end of the intersection about half of a mile from the club.
RESPONSES
From this research we can see how both; environmental crime theories and crime prevention theories not only explain the problem found amongst these small town bars and clubs but also what prevention methods are being used; if any, and their result; if any. The bar in Enid; Crappy’s, was found to host drinking and driving problems along with possible drug related crimes. Looking at, both rational choice and routine activity theory, these crime problems can be explained. Due to Crappy’s lack of security presence one can understand the risk; in what already is a risky facility, are low and the reward is adequate. The management of the bar is also a key in understanding the drinking and driving problem. There should be a enforcement available to cut consumers off from further alcohol purchases when one is clearly intoxicated. Furthermore, with the understanding that one is impaired at the .05% blood alcohol level, bars and clubs should have to monitor this level and the intake and time of each consumer if one wishes to eliminate this drinking and driving problem. Unless, one can provide a means of safe transportation to its consumers who wish to go beyond this limit, this needs to be taken seriously. This means of prevention can be looked at as situational crime prevention and can be effective. Outside of the one taxi car observed this facility provided no safe alternative means of transportation to its consumers after providing a high amount of alcohol to consumers in a short amount of time.
The club, Scooters, was found to have more aggressive, violent behavior problems. Comparing the two establishments to one another, the major difference in drinking and driving is Scooters provided a method of prevention more accessible to its consumers and at no cost. Although, consumers where still observed leaving the facility and entering their car, the researcher found less highly intoxicated consumers getting in their own vehicle to drive. Those of that level seemed to take advantage of the preventative method offered. The researcher did observe consumers having to wait for the van to come back because it was full.
The reason aggressive behavior could be found more so in the club than the bar, is due to space, time, and environment (place). Scooters layout was more spacious than that of Crappy’s. With more space and not enough security personal to watch it all, the space has to be divided up amongst what personal is available. The result of this is some space will be uncovered at times thus leaving the opportunity for something to occur. Routine activity explains this problem. We as humans can be found to have daily patterns. Most of our patterns consist of home, work/school, and places of leisure. Unlike, metropolitan areas rural areas have less population and its inner city is small. Therefore, people’s routines intersect with one another more. Thus, when an offender and potential target/victim are present in the same area and the same time, and the lack of a capable guardian ceases to exist, the opportunity for crime exist.
CONTRIBUTING RESPONSES
Strategies compiled by Janet McAllister of Center for Addiction and Mental Health, suggest the planning should include building the awareness level of the community, including resident, business owners, politicians, and municipal staff. The involvement of the community must be present and aware. Many basic things such as the appearance of the bar, location, and structure have an influence on the prevention of crime. Understanding this, bars and clubs must do their part to keep things clean and un-clustered. Also, the management and the flow of business are crucial. If one does not establish territorial reinforcement amongst its space, its space is susceptible to crime and other issues. Transportation programs from these facilities need to be created and enforced. Both a public and private transportation system's could be created. Private transportation being available from the establishment that chooses to sell alcohol should first be implemented due to their facility being a risky facility that is the cause of the problem. Responsibility must first be assigned and accepted for these problems to have any chance of being fixed or reduced. The means and end of bars and clubs need to be clear and un-contradictory, and if they choose to take the responsibility of being the source of the problem, they can too take responsibility for the problem.
CONCLUSION
It is clear bars and clubs are associated with aggressive violent behavior, drinking and driving, and other, possible drug related, crimes. For these problems to have a chance at actually being eliminated and/or reduce, is for the parties responsible for these issues to stand up and take responsibility for the actions. That includes not only businesses and politicians but the consumers as well. The facts are out there, along with the information needed to prevent half of these issues. What’s missing is, acceptance and responsibility. These problems are the result of our own making; choosing to let alcohol be legal, choosing to condone in the lifestyle, the choices we choose to make along with the justifications given to justify, have an effect.

References

Green,J. and Plant,M. (2006). Bad bars: a review of risk factors. International Journal of Drug Policy. Retrieved on April 3,2012 from, http://alcoholresearchuk.org/downloads/finalReports/AERC_FinalReport_0040.pdf
Howard,K. Flora, J. Schleicher, N. and Gonzalez, E.(2004).Alcohol point of purchase advertising
and promotions: prevalence, content and targeting.
Federal Legal Publications: Contemporary Drug Problems, 31, 561-562.
McAllister,J. Strategies to prevent community alcohol-related problems:bar areas. Center for Addiction and Mental Health. Retreived on April 2,2012 from, http://www.camh.net/About_CAMH/Health_Promotion/Community_Health_Promoti n/strat_prevalcprob_bars04.pdf
Public order and drinking environments. International Center for Alcohol Policies. Retrieved on April 6,2012 from, http://www.icap.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=raVGBcseNRo%3d&tabid=174
State of Oklahoma.What you should know.(Drinking and Driving) Retrieved on April 9,2012 from, http://www.ok.gov/health/documents/CG_Impaired_Driving.pdf
Stewart,K. How alcohol outlets affect neighborhood violence. Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation. Retrieved on April 6,2012 from, http://resources.prev.org/documents/AlcoholViolenceGruenewald.pdf.
Wortley,R. and Mazerolle,L.(2008). Environmental criminology and crime analysis. Cullompton,Devon:WIllian Publishing. 26,75.

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