Australian alcohol consumption lowest in half a century

Consumption of alcohol in Australia has dropped to levels not seen since the 1960s, according to data released by the Australia Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

"In 2016-17, the total alcohol consumed in Australia was equivalent to 186 million litres of pure alcohol, or 9.4 litres for every person in Australia aged 15 years and over," said Louise Gates, ABS Director of Health Statistics.

"This is the lowest annual figure since 1961-62 and it continues the recent downward trend which started around 2008-09. Over three-quarters of alcohol consumed was from either beer (39%) or wine (38%). And while alcohol consumed from wine has declined recently, the drop in beer consumption has been the main driver for falling alcohol consumption with an average decline of 2.4% per year over the last 10 years." 

"The major categories of alcohol sold are beer, wine, spirits, RTD and cider. Using the average consumption levels for each category, the 9.4 litres of pure alcohol can be expressed as the average Australian aged 15 and over consuming the equivalent of 224 stubbies (375 ml) of beer, 38 bottles (750ml) of wine, 17 bottles (375ml) of cider, four bottles (700ml) of spirits and 33 cans (375ml) of premixed ready to drink varieties.

"If you keep in mind that around one in five Australians drink very rarely or not at all, that's quite a lot for the rest of us, notwithstanding the amounts discarded or used for non-drinking purposes".

"If 224 stubbies sounds like a lot, contrast that with 1974-75 when Australia reached 'peak beer' and the consumption was equivalent to over 500 stubbies per person." 

ABA celebrates responsible drinking success

Alcohol Beverages Australia Executive Director Fergus Taylor said the statistics showed Australians were listening to the responsible drinking messaging and continuing to improve the way they enjoy their favourite drinks.  

“Today’s statistics are another reminder that for most Australians, enjoying a drink with family and friends is a normal part of a balanced lifestyle.  

“The statistics today complement trends from the 2016 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS), which showed underage consumption was falling, harmful drinking was falling, and the majority of Australians continued to drink responsibly within the national guidelines.

“All categories fluctuate with trends and fashions, for example the decline in pure alcohol in the beer category shows consumers are shifting from full strength to mid-strength and light beers. The lower alcohol varieties now account for one quarter of all beer products sold in Australia."

Taylor said it was important Australians continued to enjoy a sensible relationship with alcohol. 

“Ensuring that positive trends such as declines in underage and binge drinking continue is an important national responsibility, and the alcohol beverages industry will continue to work with governments and local communities to maintain these trends,” he said.  

“A combination of education, responsible service of alcohol and strict enforcement on underage sales is required to achieve this, and the industry will continue to work hard to ensure these important messages and initiatives continue. 

The 2016-17 Apparent Consumption of Alcohol publication is available for free download. Click here.