1. ^aUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
2. ^bUniversity of Cincinnati, OH, USA

Correspondence: Tamara D. Madensen, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Box 5009, Las Vegas, NV, USA. E-mail: Tamara.Madensen@unlv.edu

Abstract

Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain why some bars generate more crime than others. Using data gathered from bars in Cincinnati, Ohio, we find little support for the hypothesis that high crime bars are simply the product of high crime neighborhoods. To explain the unequal distribution of violence across drinking establishments, we propose a model that recognizes crime as an outcome of place manager decision-making. This model explains how managers create environments that suppress or facilitate violence through business-related choices. Implications of the model for understanding crime distributions, conducting future research, and extending current theoretical frameworks are discussed.