Spirit of a nation

Baby Boomers big boozers

BEER drinkers are most brand loyal, our taste for wine improves with age, and Baby Boomers are the biggest boozers, a report has found.

Nine in 10 adults surveyed for the Australian Consumer Drinking Habits study said they drank some amount of alcohol. Most were classified as moderate or light drinkers.

Value-priced and premium red and white wine toppled major beer labels as the most frequently bought booze.

Men said they drank more red wine than women. White was slightly more popular with females.

Tradies were most likely to frequently down a full or midstrength beer, while many women said they steered clear of light beer, scotch and bourbon. The younger generation had the strongest thirst for cider and cocktails.

The report, produced by hotel and hospitality trade pub- lisher Intermedia, also found: BABY Boomers and retirees drank most often. One in four aged 60-69 said they drank alcohol most days, compared with one in 12 aged under 30. ONE in four men were identified as heavy drinkers — double that of women. ONE in 10 surveyed were teetotallers. Non-drinkers were most likely to be on low incomes. ALCOHOL was most commonly consumed at home, especially for heavy and moderate drinkers.

The report focused on how frequently alcohol was purchased and consumed rather than actual amount consumed.

“What we found was that older, not younger, people drank more often, and most drinking occurs at home particularly among heavier drinkers,” report author Graeme Philipson said.

The report was based on 1027 responses to an online survey. Most who took part were aged 40-69.