The Impact of Credit and Debit Cards in Liquor Stores on Opinions and Consumption Patterns

Abstract

Credit card users, debit card users, and other drinkers were compared in terms of demographic characteristics, opinions, financial problems, and alcohol consumption patterns before and after the introduction of credit and debit cards at government-operated liquor stores. Significant opinion shifts were detected, with more favorable opinions about credit cards reported after the regulatory change. Credit card and debit card users drank significantly more alcohol than other drinkers, but no change was found in terms of alcohol consumption patterns. Time series analyses suggested that no significant changes occurred in alcohol sales.