Brits drinking due to stress
A Drinkaware poll found that between 50 to 60 per cent of adults "use a bad or stressful day as an excuse to consume up to four drinks on a typical evening at home." More women than men (73 per cent versus 26 per cent) said stress was the main reason they had a drink at home at the end of the day. 61% of women surveyed said they had two or more large glasses of wine on a typical night – more than double the recommended guidelines for women. See Drinkaware press release and a reports in the Telegraph and Express.
Younger drinkers drinking more at home
A Mintel report says younger drinkers see 'staying in as the new going out' as home drinking continues to grow in market share. Jonny Forsyth, senior drinks analyst at Mintel, said: “Younger drinkers are changing... the austerity of the recession forced them back indoors to make savings - post-recession, younger drinkers are taking the going out attitude into the home." Mintel said the home drinking market has grown 20% since 2006. Affordability remains the key reason, with 76% agreeing that “it is cheaper to drink at home”. See Morning Advertiser (MA) report.
In other news, Alcohol Concern and Our Life are urging people to write to their MPs to support a private members bill to limit the exposure of children to alcohol marketing. The second reading is scheduled for Friday 9th September 2011 in the House of Commons.
An exploration of the illegal alcohol trade featured in this month's DDN magazine following the fatal explosion last month in Boston. A BBC report suggests HM Customs are evaluating a pilot scheme of raids that could go national. Welsh police have been 'alarmed' after 463 arrests were made for drug or drink driving in June.
Licensing, trade and industry
Brewers are experimenting with the production of weaker beers following the announced duty cut for drinks less than 2.8% ABV, reports the Telegraph. Research by CAMRA also suggests pub goers wanted more choice of lower strength drinks.
Licensing reviews are up 19% but there has been a fall in the number revoked reports the MA. The survey found that in the 12 months to 1 April 2010, the 1,334 alcohol licences were reviewed, with 60% being instigated by a police representation, most commonly under the prevention crime and disorder licensing objective. The MA has published a report that claims an inconsistent approach to underage sales.
On-trade beer volumes fell 6% in the year to June 2011, with sales down 4.5% in Q2, according to new figures from the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) - see here. The Treasury ruled out a cut in VAT for the hospitality industry, claiming the “fiscal challenge” is too great, the MA reports. Another MA article claims politicians have failed the pub trade.
Poundworld will soon be selling cheap alcohol the Daily Mail reports, writing high streets are 'set to be inundated with more cheap alcohol deals'.
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