Territorians drank 1.5 million more drinks in fewer venues than year before

TERRITORIANS drank 1.5 million more drinks in 2018 than the year before, despite there being fewer places to drink at in the Territory

Territorians drank 1.5 million more alcoholic beverages in 2018 than the year before, despite there being fewer places to drink

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TERRITORIANS drank 1.5 million more alcoholic beverages in 2018 than the year before, despite there being fewer places to drink.

Data from a Night Time Economy survey conducted by Ingenium Research showed despite a loss of drinking venues in the Territory’s capital, Territorians put $12 million more behind the bar in 2018 compared to 2017.

The $12 million increase of alcohol turnover represented by an average $8 schooner would be 1.5 million more across the entire year — or more than 4109 beers each day.

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“While the drink (establishment) sub sector has shown the greatest percentage decline (-6.0 per cent) this accounts for only three establishments with employment largely unchanged (+0.6 per cent/15 employees),” the survey said.

“As such, this could recover over the course of the 2018-19 financial year.”

The survey shows not just drinking but the Territory’s entire night time economy revenue is up with an increase of $72 million, or 3.3 per cent.

The greatest performer in Territory’s Night Time Economy was Darwin’s entertainment, which rose $46.3 million or 19.1 per cent.

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“The growth observed in the entertainment sub sector was driven by … creative and performing arts, horse and dog racing (and) gambling … which grew across all economic measures,” the report said.

“Sports and recreational activities also experienced growth in establishments and turnover but employment declined.”

The survey, which also covers food establishments, showed the number of employees within the food industry had declined in the NT, including 265 in Darwin, while the total number of night time economy venues had decreased by 27 from 2017 to 2018.

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“Losses in entertainment establishments look to be driven by declines in gambling activities and creative and performing arts,” the report said. “Decline in Darwin’s food sub-sector was driven by takeaway food services, which experienced a fall in establishments, employment and turnover.”