LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Some people are starting to put down the glass.
In the past decade, research shows the percentage of American alcohol drinkers dropped from 56% to 51%.
That’s according to a study done by Trace One.
According to the report, from 2003 through 2014, the share of adults who drank alcohol edged upward. But since then, the trend has moved steadily downward.
Bartenders at JJ Hooligans in Lincoln say they’ve been noticing that.
“What I’ve seen that’s different is people don’t go out to bars as much as they used to,” said Erica Hamilton. “But, yeah, there are definitely people who drink less alcohol now.”
Jessica Dybdal says the crowd comes in spurts.
“I feel like right now we go in waves,” Dybdal said. “Last summer in June we were pretty busy, but now this spring it’s been different.”
Other bar owners stated reasons for the drop, such as people resorting to THC beverages or alcohol free drinks.
“I’ve actually noticed an extreme jump in people drinking non alcoholic drinks,” Hamilton said.
A manager at the Biergarten in Lincoln doesn’t feel this is a big deal, saying that people haven’t stopped drinking. It’s just that they’re doing less of it.
“One thing I think about is that there’s a push for wellness and health. Some people are just changing their habits,” said Carsten Fox. “Although I don’t think those people are going to drink as much. They’re just not drinking as much.”
Others also stated that some people feel inclined to stay home and save money instead of going out, and the data support the claim that it has become more expensive to drink.
Just 10 years ago, an average pint or bottle of beer cost $1 to $ 2.
But today, the average in the U.S. is about $6.50.
Alcohol, alcohol drinks, American alcohol, Beer, Biergarten, Carsten Fox, Erica Hamilton, Jessica Dybdal, jj hooligans, lincoln, thc, Trace One
