Drinking patterns, social interaction, and barroom behavior: a routine activities approach

Routine activities and place theory both offer a unique analytical framewor k to study the types of activities and behaviors that occur within urban dr inking settings as well as the consequent problem-related behavior in surro unding residential neighborhoods, Using observational data from two urban b ars this study set out to determine how routine drinking patterns, social i nteraction, and formal guardianship, such as controls and management practi ces, are related to patron alcohol consumption and behavioral responses wit hin and outside the bar. The results illustrate that the level and extent o f effective forms of guardianship within the facility correspond with patro n behavior. Generally, the bar that provided the greatest level of guardian ship by the use of effective bouncers had a lower amount of predatory sexua l offending and disorder within the bar. Moreover, the routine activities o f patrons attending the bars in this study also contributed to increased am ounts of disorder outside the bars and in adjoining neighborhoods. Several theoretical and policy implications of bar owners' social responsibility to regulate the disorderly and destructive behavior of their patrons are pres ented.