Neighbourhood deprivation and access to alcohol outlets: A national study

People living in poor areas suffer higher mortality than those in wealthy areas. Environmental factors partly explain this association, including exposure to pollutants and accessibility of healthcare. We sought to determine whether proximity to alcohol outlets varied by area deprivation in New Zealand. Roadway travel distance from each census unit to the nearest alcohol outlet was summarised according to socioeconomic deprivation for each area. Analyses were conducted by license type (pubs/bars, clubs, restaurants, off-licenses) and community urban–rural status. Strong associations were found between proximity to the nearest alcohol outlet and deprivation, there being greater access to outlets in more-deprived urban areas.