'Young people aren't drinking anything like we used to': Alcohol intake at record lows
New Zealand's per capita consumption now sits among the lowest of all OECD countries.
Hospitality businesses in Christchurch have noted a concerning trend: alcohol consumption among young people has plummeted to unprecedented lows. According to Stats NZ, total alcohol consumption per person hit a record low, falling below 7 litres of pure alcohol for the first time in the year ending June. This places New Zealand among the lowest consumers of alcohol within the OECD.
The hospitality sector in Christchurch has been grappling with the fallout. Over 420 companies declared bankruptcy in the past year, a 42% increase from the previous 12 months, while 2,900 establishments closed their doors, marking a nearly 40% rise. However, the downtown area showed a more stable picture. At Dux Central, bar and restaurant manager Ross Herrick reported steady business.
He attributed this resilience to the nearby One New Zealand Stadium, which has significantly boosted local patronage. Herrick also observed a shift in his clientele, commenting on how his teenage daughter, and others his age, are drinking far less than previous generations.
Despite this, the owner of Smash Palace on High Street, Greg May, expressed surprise at Christchurch's seemingly divergent trajectory from other cities. He suggested that younger people are increasingly health-conscious and wary of alcohol's health risks. Economic pressures, such as rising energy and housing costs, have also been influencing people's spending habits, leading to a decrease in nightlife spending. Younger generations seem to be more discerning and less inclined to frequent bars and restaurants.
Written by urgent.news from RNZ Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
