Sobering Study: Gen Z has become a boozy generation— this is to blame

Zoomers have historically been labeled a fairly abstinent generation. But now, the generation born between 1997 and 2012 are bucking their party pooper stereotype by increasing their alcohol consumption as cost of living pressures ease, per a buzzy study by global beverage market research firm IWSR Bevtrac.

“The idea that Gen Z LDA+ (legal drinking age) drinkers are choosing to moderate significantly more than other generations doesn’t hold up,” Richard Halstead, IWSR’s chief operating officer of consumer insights, told Newsweek.

This shocking study contrasts with prior data over the past several years, which found that Gen Z was drinking far less alcohol than previous generations. Their Z-totalling ways famously prompted an increase in sober gatherings and alcohol-free bars across New York City.

To determine the rates of hooch intake across generations, the researchers surveyed more than 26,000 people across the 15 biggest alcoholic drink markets: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, France, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, South Africa, Taiwan, the UK and the US.

The survey found that 73% of Gen Zers aged 21-27 had admitted to consuming alcohol in the past six months, compared to 66% two years prior — the biggest increase of any generation, The Financial Times reported. This uptick was magnified in the US, soaring from 46% to 70%.

What prompted Gen Z’s increased fascination with libations? Halstead claimed that Zoomers didn’t suddenly acquire the taste, but rather they now have more disposable income to burn on booze than in years prior — when they were more cash-strapped due to inflation and the fact that fewer were employed.

“We know that beverage alcohol consumption correlates with disposable income, and Gen Z came of age during a cost-of-living crisis, he explained, per the Times Of London. “Rising prices have been especially acute in bars and restaurants — places that appeal most to Gen Z drinkers.”

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