Australian Bureau Of Statistics

Apparent Alcohol Consumption Up First Time In 9 Years

Victor P Taffa

Apparent consumption of alcohol per person has increased for the first time in 9 years, according to data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today.

“In 2015-16, there were 189 Million litres of pure alcohol available for consumption, which is 9.7 litres for every person in Australia aged 15 years and over.” Louise Gates, ABS Director of Health Statistics said.

“This is the first time the annual figure has increased since 2006-07.”

“This is contrary to the long-term trend where the pure alcohol consumption per capita has dropped from 12.9 litres per person in 1975-76 to 9.7 litres in 2015-16.” Ms. Gates said.

“Main contributor to the rise in pure alcohol available for consumption per person was beer which also increased for the first time in 9 years to 3.9 litres of pure alcohol per person aged 15 years and over.”

“In 2015-16, beer represented 40 % of all pure alcohol available for consumption, a slight increase from 39 % in 2014-15, although still a decrease over recent decades from 45 % in 2005-06 and 54 % in 1995-96.” Ms. Gates said.