Un-Australian? Aussies drinking 25% less than 40 years ago

So much for the stereotype of the beer-swilling Aussie: research shows we’re drinking a full 25% less alcohol than we 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.

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.

Most Australians would prefer to see targeted programs, rather than whole-of-population control measures, to address alcohol-related problems. Only 28% of people support an increase in the price of alcohol, while targeted measures have received much stronger support: 85% support greater enforcement of penalties for drunk drivers, 84% support enforcement against supply minors and 82% support enforcement against serving intoxicated customers.

“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.”

The ‘Australia’s Changing Drinking Habits’ report is available from the Australian Liquor Stores Association’s website: www.alsa.com.au.