Blue Laws, DUIs and Alcohol-Related Accidents: Regression Discontinuity Evidence from Colorado

On July 1st, 2008, Colorado Blue Laws banning Sunday packaged liquor sale were repealed. We estimate the effect of this policy change on alcohol-related accidents and traffic citations in a regression discontinuity design. Across specifications, we find no evidence that the repeal of Colorado Blue Laws increased or decreased alcohol-related accidents and alcohol-related traffic citations. This stands in sharp contrast with previous studies that found a 30% increase or more in alcohol-related accidents on Sundays following the repeal of similar laws in New Mexico.