The place of drink: Geographical contributions to alcohol studies

Abstract

This paper considers how geographies of alcohol, drinking and drunkenness have been considered within and beyond the discipline of geography. We argue that while there has been a large amount of relevant, detailed and rich research considering ‘geographical’ issues, alcohol studies has tended to under-theorize the role of space and place. While geographers, on the other hand, have been relatively slow to engage with the alcohol, drinking and drunkenness, we show that geography have much to offer future research agendas. Despite recent progress, however, a failing of geographers’ engagement with alcohol, drinking and drunkenness has been an inability to transcend disciplinary boundaries. We conclude by arguing that geographical research into alcohol, drinking and drunkenness must continue to pursue theoretical and empirical advances, but also offer policy-relevant ‘public geographies’ that speak to non-academic audiences.