title: Measuring the Strength of State-Level Alcohol Control Policies.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We describe a multi-step method of coding the strength of 18 alcohol policies included in the Alcohol Policy Information System for each of the 50 states.
  
  
  METHODS
  After thoroughly reviewing each policy area, we chose components that were most important in categorizing the strength or restrictiveness of the policy using the following criteria: overall reach, enforceability, and implementation. We determined a unique coding scheme for each policy area.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The total number of categories per policy area ranged from two to six, with categories numbered in an ordered sequence from least to most restrictive. We provide three examples of our coding schemes: Keg Registration, Underage Possession, and Sunday Sales. We also rank the states on their alcohol policy sum score.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study demonstrates how alcohol policies can be measured quantitatively, an important step for assessing the effects of alcohol policies on various outcomes.
authors.forename: Darin J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Erickson
authors.forename: Kathleen M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Lenk
authors.forename: Traci L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Toomey
authors.forename: Toben F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.forename: Rhonda
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jones-Webb
authors.forename: James F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Mosher
keywords: alcohol; measurement; policy