Bayside suburbs love a beer more than anywhere else in Brisbane

New data has revealed the Brisbane suburbs where residents love a beer more than anywhere else. While it’s good news for local hotels and bottle shops, it comes with a warning from health officials.

Engaged couple from Wynnum Jasmine Byron and Drew Hodges enjoy a beer at the Manly Hotel. Picture: AAP/Renae Droop

EVERYONE knows residents of Brisbane’s bayside love a beer but it turns out they love a cold alcoholic beverage more than anyone from any other suburb in the city.

The latest data from the national Social Health Atlas, done by researchers from Torrens University Australia, shows the Wynnum area ranks the highest for percentage of residents in Brisbane, who drink more than two standard drinks per day or 14 standard drinks per week.

A total of 23 per cent of residents from the area are considered to be heavy drinkers with Victoria Point at 22.6 per cent in second and several other Redlands suburbs featured in the top 10.

But that doesn’t mean put the beer down straight away bayside residents.

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“It’s not like we have people who are drunk walking around the foreshore falling over and walking into things,” Sandy McDonald from The Manly Hotel said.

“I just think it’s the nature of being a bayside suburb.

“There’s nothing better than knocking off work and having a beer by the water or having a day off and going down to a venue and enjoying some drinks.

Sandy McDonald from The Manly Hotel

“I also think it goes back to the industrial nature of the bay, and the fact that the area is still a bit old school as far as people going down to the pub with friends and things like that.”

Mr McDonald also said the amount of venues in the area meant local residents could have a quality experience without having to go into the Brisbane CBD.

He also said he did not believe the high numbers contributed to problems at venues in the area.

“We don’t have any more issues than any other bar with patrons, in fact, we have very little,” Mr McDonald said.

With Redlands suburbs such as Victoria Point, Cleveland and Wellington Point among the top 10 suburbs in the research, the owner of a local establishment also believed it was the lure of having a drink by the water which contributed to the high numbers.

Social Health Atlas top 10 suburbs in Brisbane that drink more than two standard drinks per day

“Gone are the days where you have a barbecue in the backyard,” Jason from Elysium Restaurant and Bar said.

“People are just extra social down in these suburbs that are near the water and they want to go out and have a drink.”

However, despite the social nature of these bayside suburbs, Metro South Health nursing director of addiction services, Elaine Wade, said there were services available in the area if alcohol consumption did become a problem.

“Alcohol is one of the most commonly misused substances in Australia,” she said.

“If you or a family member are concerned about the harmful use of alcohol there are local services who can work with you to prevent and reduce harm.

“Support is available 24/7 for people in Queensland with alcohol and other drug concerns through the Alcohol and Drug Information Service at 1800 177 833.

“Locally, Bayside Addiction and Mental Health Service run an Alcohol Recovery Group which is a six-week program designed to help participants learn about addiction and gain skills for change.

“There are also other treatment options available such as counselling, relapse prevention and education.

“Counselling and treatment services are available through Bayside Community Mental Health on 3825 6060.”

The full data can be seen at http://www.phidu.torrens.edu.au/current/maps/sha-aust/pha-single-map/qld/atlas.html.