Using a Syndromic Surveillance System to Evaluate the Impact of a Change in Alcohol Law

In November 2011, Washington State voters passed Initiative 1183 (I-1183) which closed state-owned and contracted liquor stores and opened the market for “hard liquor” sales in the private sector. The change in law was implemented on June 1, 2012. Increases in alcohol-related ED visits were postulated as one potential impact if there was increased alcohol use or excessive consumption associated with the change in law.

Objective

To determine whether there were changes in alcohol-related emergency department (ED) visits in Washington State associated with statewide alcohol system deregulation.