Handgun sales, beer sales, and youth homicide, California, 1972-1993

Author: Sorenson, S. B. / Berk, R. A.
Publication: J Public Health Policy
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To investigate the association between firearm sales and alcohol sales and the number of youth homicides, annual handgun sales data were collected from the California Department of Justice, yearly beer sales data were obtained from the California State Board of Equalization, and homicide data were collected from the California Department of Health Services. The results indicate that handgun sales and beer sales generally are associated with homicide regardless of age of the victim, and the association is stronger for adolescents and young adults. According to the authors, the findings from this study provide support for public health efforts to reduce homicides by restricting access to firearms and alcohol.