"Early Closure of Bars in Baltimore Neighborhood Reduces Murders by 40%"

A study conducted by the Boston University School of Public Health and the Alcohol Research Group of Emeryville, California, found that reducing the hours of alcohol sales in a Baltimore neighborhood led to a 40% annual decrease in the homicide rate and a 23% reduction in all violent crime. The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, suggests that decreasing late-night hours of alcohol sales could be an effective way for cities to reduce excessive drinking and curb homicides, assaults, and other crimes. The findings indicate that the policy change saved Baltimore an estimated $18.2 million in annual costs, and it may serve as a model for creating safer neighborhoods in other cities.