Public support for gun restrictions in public places that serve alcohol: the cost of enforcement matters.

Abstract

Introduction: Public opinion on firearm legislation varies, though there is broader agreement on restricting guns in alcohol-serving venues.

Methods: This study used a discrete choice experiment with 306 US adults in June 2025 to examine preferences for firearm restrictions across different conditions. Scenarios varied by who would be restricted (felons, currently intoxicated individuals, or those with prior alcohol-related offenses), venue size (small, medium, or large), and annual enforcement costs ranging from $0 to $300.

Results: Results show that when no enforcement costs are included, a majority of the respondent sample weighted to voting-eligible Americans (56%-74%, depending on the restricted group and venue size) supports firearm restrictions, with support exceeding 65% for restrictions in large venues. However, introducing a $100 annual cost reduces support: significant majority support remains only for restricting combinations of felons, intoxicated people, or those with alcohol-related convictions and only in large venues. Support patterns differ by demographics: women show the strongest support regardless of political affiliation, Democratic men show moderate support, while Republican men and Independents are least supportive. Gun ownership did not independently affect preferences.

Conclusions: While support for firearm restrictions in alcohol-serving venues is widespread, even modest implementation costs significantly reduce public backing.