E-Malt.com News article: Australia: Alcohol consumption down 25% over the last 40 years

New research shows Australians are drinking a full 25% less alcohol than they did 40 years ago. While beer producers probably aren’t happy about this, there is a definite upside: it has dramatically curbed alcohol-related violence, FoodProcessing.com.au reported on January 23.

The government report, Australia’s Changing Drinking Habits, disproves commonly held beliefs that alcohol consumption and alcohol-related violence are increasing.

In 1974-75, Australians consumed an average of 13.1 litres of alcohol per person. Since the 1980s, this has declined, decreasing to 9.9 litres in 2012-13. Teenagers are drinking significantly less, with the proportion of young people abstaining increasing from 56% in 2007 to 72% in 2013.

Interestingly, alcohol-related violence has decreased by 30% in NSW in the last six years, despite the number of liquor licences increasing by 16%. Terry Mott, CEO of the Australian Liquor Stores Association, says this proves a lack of evidence between alcohol availability and violence.

This increase in the number of liquor stores has also not led to an increase in alcohol consumption.

“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,” said Mott.

“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.”


23 January, 2015