Recession sees drinking downturn

How has the recession affected your drinking habits?

Lee Morrison, 49, Business Owner, Cardiff

“I drink more at home rather than going out. So I’ll buy a bottle of nice wine instead of spending £14, £15 on a bottle of rubbish in the pub. Taxis have a lot to do with it because years ago, you used to be able to drink and drive and you can’t do that now. The whole night is just too expensive.”

Trudi Lloyd, 21, Bartender, Cardiff

“I tend to pre drink before going out. So a group of us will get together and have a couple of drinks in the house, and then head straight to a club, instead of going to a bar or a pub.”

Mark Williams, 51, Craftsman, Cardiff

“The recession hasn’t affected me at all, because I like a drink. I would still spend the same amount because I count it as socialising. “

Tom Kildare, 25, Shop Worker, Warwick

“My alcohol buying habits haven’t changed because I don’t drink. I think if I did, I wouldn’t come out to town because of how much a night out costs. It all adds up.”

Phil Williams, 35, Dancer and Choreographer, Cardiff

“I don’t think it has. I have to be active for my work and I’ve never spent a huge amount anyway, so not at all really.”

Sam Kausenberger, 31, Tourism Manager, Germany

“To be honest, it hasn’t affected my alcohol awareness or consumption at all. I’m German, and in Germany we drink a lot of beers, so I still do that despite the recession.”

UK alcohol sales are falling due to the recession, reports from a survey have found. Market analysis from the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has found that between 2004 and 2011, total alcohol consumption fell by 13%. The survey’s results suggest that the decline is due to the government’s increase in taxes for alcohol sales.

The decline hit alcohol sales in restaurants, pubs and hotels the hardest, indicating that consumers are often opting to consume alcohol in their own homes. The study coincides with new research from Symphony IRI Group that shows that the vast majority of alcohol that was sold last year was part of a promotion. WSTA Chief Executive, Gavin Partington has pointed to signs of future growth for wine sales.