Australian alcohol consumption hits 50-year low

Australians appear to be drinking less alcohol overall than any time in the previous 50 years, according to data from a recent study.

The decline in availability began from 2007-2008, and the figures have been dropping each year since

Spirits, RTD’s, wine, beer, and cider were all considered amongst the data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), which showed there were 9.7 litres of pure alcohol available for consumption in 2013-2014 for every person aged 15 and over – the lowest figure recorded since 1960-1961.
The research, named the Apparent Consumption of Alcohol report, shows that the opportunity for alcohol consumption peaked in the year spanning 1974-1975 when there were 13.09 litres of pure alcohol available per person.

“Apparent consumption” measures the amount of alcohol available for consumption per person, but does not measure the actual consumption as it can not account for factors such as waste or storage.

The recent decline in availability began from 2007-2008, and the report confirms that the figures have been dropping each year since.

Research earlier this year dictated that Australians are consuming 25% less alcohol when compared with drinking habits 40 years ago, despite an increase in the number of liquor stores.

Australian Liquor Stores Association chief executive, Terry Mott, told The Guardian: “Australians are drinking less in terms of quantity but of a better perceived quality.

“This has led to the rise in craft beer and cider across the country with more people visiting cellar doors, boutique distilleries and breweries to appreciate the quality of the artisanship, and not the just the alcohol.”