A recent report from Budweiser Brewing Group (BBG) found that nearly half of Gen Z do not plan to drink this festive period.
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Young people in London have told City News that their drinking habits are changing as the UK marks National Lager Day.
Some say they have stopped drinking alcohol altogether after realising they were becoming dependent on it.
One student, who wanted to remain anonymous, says she “initially didn’t see an issue” in how she was using alcohol. She explains that she was “high functioning” [whilst drinking alcohol] and was “going to lectures and doing uni work,” but stopped drinking when she realised she was relying on it to avoid difficult emotions.
She said she doesn’t like how “deeply entrenched” drinking alcohol is in social settings. She feels that “we need healthier alternatives to drinking, especially because of how it can affect your mental health and physical health.”
National Lager Day is celebrated every year on 10 December as a chance for lager lovers to enjoy their favourite beers.
Reports of Gen Z stopping drinking ‘overblown’
Other members of Generation Z, or Gen Z – people born between 1995 and 2012 – disagree. Freija, 26, says when she worked in a pub in West London, there was a big drinking culture.
She knows younger people who drink more than her and thinks the idea of Gen Z not drinking is “overblown.”
I think that people will always drink. The barrier to Gen Z drinking is that it’s really expensive… nowadays if you can find a beer that’s a fiver, you’re doing well.”
Freija, student from West London
She also blames lack of job prospects and Covid-19 for the younger generation drinking less but doesn’t see drinking culture going away. She points out that pubs are a much-needed shared space for young people.
Research reveals Gen Z are turning away from alcohol
A recent report from Budweiser Brewing Group (BBG) found that nearly half of Gen Z do not plan to drink this festive period, with almost 80% of those born after 1996 planning to start Dry January early.
The Morning Advertiser’s Beer Report 2024 found that “low & no alcohol beers have enjoyed a greater rise in sales from a year ago with an eye-popping 31% boost in volumes and 39% in value sales.” The opening of an pub in Marylebone by alcohol-free beermaker Lucky Saint reflects this trend.
Academic: alcoholism depends on routine
Joshua, an academic working in mental health, drug, and alcohol research, says that a lot of the time, drinking alcohol depends on a routine. Providing options to break that routine can make life easier for people with an alcohol dependence.
“For folk where it’s more difficult to not drink, it’s good that there are alcohol-free options.”
Joshua, academic on mental health and alcoholism
When asked what can be done for those who want to make the shift, he emphasised the need to remove the taboo around drinking culture, which can mean excessive drinking goes unnoticed.
He also believes having fun alternatives to the pub, such as board-game cafés, could help.
For more serious alcohol issues, he says “accessing resources like counselling and talking to people like your friends or family, is important.”
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Headline‘I initially didn’t see an issue’: Gen Z on National Lager Day and drinking habits
Short HeadlineGen Z on Lager Day: 'I didn't see an issue'
StandfirstCity News spoke to Gen Z Londoners about their drinking habits ahead of National Lager Day.
Young people in London have told City News that their drinking habits are changing as the UK marks National Lager Day.
Some say they have stopped drinking alcohol altogether after realising they were becoming dependent on it.
One student, who wanted to remain anonymous, says she “initially didn’t see an issue” in how she was using alcohol. She explains that she was “high functioning” [whilst drinking alcohol] and was “going to lectures and doing uni work,” but stopped drinking when she realised she was relying on it to avoid difficult emotions.
She said she doesn’t like how “deeply entrenched” drinking alcohol is in social settings. She feels that “we need healthier alternatives to drinking, especially because of how it can affect your mental health and physical health.”
National Lager Day is celebrated every year on 10 December as a chance for lager lovers to enjoy their favourite beers.
Reports of Gen Z stopping drinking ‘overblown’
Other members of Generation Z, or Gen Z – people born between 1995 and 2012 – disagree. Freija, 26, says when she worked in a pub in West London, there was a big drinking culture.
She knows younger people who drink more than her and thinks the idea of Gen Z not drinking is “overblown.”
I think that people will always drink. The barrier to Gen Z drinking is that it’s really expensive… nowadays if you can find a beer that’s a fiver, you’re doing well.”
Freija, student from West London
She also blames lack of job prospects and Covid-19 for the younger generation drinking less but doesn’t see drinking culture going away. She points out that pubs are a much-needed shared space for young people.
Research reveals Gen Z are turning away from alcohol
A recent report from Budweiser Brewing Group (BBG) found that nearly half of Gen Z do not plan to drink this festive period, with almost 80% of those born after 1996 planning to start Dry January early.
The Morning Advertiser’s Beer Report 2024 found that “low & no alcohol beers have enjoyed a greater rise in sales from a year ago with an eye-popping 31% boost in volumes and 39% in value sales.” The opening of an pub in Marylebone by alcohol-free beermaker Lucky Saint reflects this trend.
Academic: alcoholism depends on routine
Joshua, an academic working in mental health, drug, and alcohol research, says that a lot of the time, drinking alcohol depends on a routine. Providing options to break that routine can make life easier for people with an alcohol dependence.
“For folk where it’s more difficult to not drink, it’s good that there are alcohol-free options.”
Joshua, academic on mental health and alcoholism
When asked what can be done for those who want to make the shift, he emphasised the need to remove the taboo around drinking culture, which can mean excessive drinking goes unnoticed.
He also believes having fun alternatives to the pub, such as board-game cafés, could help.
For more serious alcohol issues, he says “accessing resources like counselling and talking to people like your friends or family, is important.”
