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Australia’s alcohol consumption drops 25%
Australians are brushing off their boozy stereotype according to new research, which shows a 25% decrease in the amount of alcohol consumed when compared with drinking habits 40 years ago – despite an increase in the number of liquor stores.
Australians are brushing off their boozy stereotype according to new research, which shows a 25% decrease in the amount of alcohol consumed in comparison with the 1970s
The government study, Australia’s Changing Drinking Habits, found that in 1974-1975, Australians consumed the equivalent of 13.1 litres per person, falling to 9.9 litres between 2012 and 2013.
The report showed that this decrease has a direct correlation with a reduction in alcohol-related violence, which has lowered by 30% in New South Wales in the last six years, even though the number of liquor licences has increased by 16%.
In addition, teenagers are also curbing their drinking, with figures showing the increase in abstaining teens rise from 56% in 2007 to 72% in 2013 – meaning nearly three quarters of Australia’s teen population do not drink at all.
Terry Mott, CEO of the Australian Liquor Stores Association, told Food Processing: “Australia’s drinking habits have changed significantly over the course of the four decades; we are more educated about alcohol and we are making much better choices than we ever have before.
“The majority of Australians consume alcohol responsibly and enjoy the social benefits it brings. It is important to distinguish between the moderate consumption of alcohol by the overwhelming majority of Australians and the misuse of it by a small minority.”
The report also found that most Australians would prefer to see targeted measures put in place to further curb alcohol abuse, rather than control measures imposed on the entire population.
From those polled, only 28% supported an increase in the price of alcohol, while 85% backed greater enforcement of penalties for drunk drivers, and 82% agreed with greater enforcement against serving intoxicated customers.
The report comes as lawmakers continue their efforts to crackdown on excessive consumption in the New South Wales state, where tough new drinking laws have been implemented.