Fresh data revealed: Young Australians’ new thirst for sobriety

Australians are no longer bending the elbow like their parents, with new data showing a “moderation trend” in youth drinking habits.

Australians are no longer bending the elbow like their parents, with new data showing a “moderation trend” in youth drinking habits.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics has revealed young adults aged 18-24 were less likely to drink more than two drinks a day compared with older Australians in fresh data released on Monday.

CEO of Alcohol Beverages Australia Andrew Wilsmore told NCA NewsWire the long term trend shows “moderation as the new norm” among the generation.

“One in 10 young adults aged 18-24 years exceeded two drinks a day, compared with just over one in five adults aged 55-64 years,” he said.

New statistics have revealed Australia’s drinking culture is on the way out, as risky alcohol rates fall across the board.

More than four out of five Australians are consuming less alcohol according to a recent study. Picture: Stefani Reynolds / AFP

Data showed more than four out of five Australians are consuming less than two standard drinks per day.

“It is pleasing to see the proportion of people drinking more than two standard drinks a day declining from 19.5 per cent in 2011-12 to 15.2 per cent in 2020-21,” Mr Wilsmore said.

“Australians are making conscious decisions to moderate and drink responsibly, with big trends during Covid seeing Australians choosing to drink less but spend more on a premium product, or exploring low and zero-alcohol products.”

The steady decline was welcomed after public concern over increased harmful drinking at home during the pandemic.

“Despite concerns about the potential for increased harmful drinking at home, this data proves that Australians maintained a sensible relationship with alcohol despite being locked down.” Mr Wilsmore said.

“Comparing drinking during Covid to their drinking 12 months prior, two thirds reported their consumption had stayed about the same, nearly one in four reported decreased consumption and fewer than one in 10 reported increased consumption.”

“We can proudly say Australians are making sensible choices and choosing to act responsibly when it comes to enjoying alcohol.