A third of U25s haven't drunk alcohol in the past year

[HangTime]

Reading about nightclub closures earlier these stats stood out to me:

• A third of under-25s haven't drunk alcohol in the past year
• 26% of 16-24yos never drink alcohol

This was a surprise to me, as when I was that age I'd say it was pretty uncommon for people not to be drinking in some capacity. I'd estimate the non-drinkers being 15% at most - that's not to say everyone was getting on it every weekend, but certainly going a year or more without drinking was rare). One of the rationale put forward was that people who turned 18 during lockdown probably never got into the habit of going out boozing as the sort of badge of freedom we've seen in the past. Cost of living was also cited, although I'm less convinced about that one (alcohol is not expensive in supermarkets, and plenty of poor people drink alcohol).

One personal theory on this is that 20+ years ago online dating either didn't exist, was primitive and/or had a stigma attached to it, so basically the way people would find a partner was in pubs/clubs. People might have been drinking because that was just the anchor for social engagement and in particular meeting new people. Nowadays, there's probably a generation of people who've primarily hooked up with people via dating apps, or indeed make friendships online, so going out-out (and hence drinking) is less relevant.

I'm not looking to pass judgement on whether this is a good or bad thing, but I found it interesting nevertheless.

 

[HangTime]

Adnams was in the r4 news yesterday, close to administration

Wow, I visited them when on holiday in Suffolk and they were doing a roaring trade from a big outlet shop.

It would be interesting to see comparable figures for previous decades. It's possible 10% or more always avoided alcohol.

Regional breakdown would also be good.

I'm guessing the increase in Muslims within the general population contributes to it, too. And I'm not being all racist, before someone starts!

Not decades, but according to the Mail, "Portman Group said the number of young adults calling themselves non-drinkers was 25 per cent in 2020, rising to 30 per cent in 2021, then 27 per cent in 2022. It is now 39 per cent.".

Young give up booze as two in five under-25s say they are non-drinkers

Young people are turning their backs on alcohol - with two in five aged under-25 saying they are non-drinkers. They are a sober generation compared to their parents, still guzzling wine.

www.dailymail.co.uk