Australians are choosing non-alcoholic beverages during the holidays, causing a positive change.

As the festive season kicks into gear, new research has revealed that Australians are increasingly choosing to consume low- or zero-alcohol drinks, reflecting a shift in national drinking habits. The organization DrinkWise has reported that 62 percent of Australians aged 25 and over feel more empowered to opt for non-alcoholic options, compared to a decade ago. Additionally, 51 percent of consumers now regularly consume zero-alcohol products, a significant increase from the 35 percent reported in 2021.

However, as the holiday season approaches, office parties are often the setting for heavier drinking. According to DrinkWise, 35 percent of individuals who drink at parties where employers are paying the tab tend to consume more than four standard drinks, compared to only 23 percent who exceed that limit when footing their own bill. Despite this, a survey showed that 73 percent of respondents believe it is important for people to have access to low- and zero-alcohol drinks, with 53 percent expressing a desire to cut back on their alcohol intake.

DrinkWise CEO Simon Strahan believes that these findings reflect a positive shift in attitudes and behaviors towards alcohol consumption. He stated, "We continue to see a growing awareness of the benefits of responsible drinking habits, particularly at parties and celebrations where people are now opting for both full-strength and non-alcoholic options." This trend is further supported by the fact that 62 percent of Australians now feel more empowered to choose not to drink alcohol, compared to a decade ago.

In other news, a recent article about a homeowner battling her neighbors over swimming in her $1.29 million backyard has sparked controversy. Meanwhile, the topic of bank withdrawal fees and the growing trend of cashless transactions has been heavily criticized, with some calling it a "kick in the gut." To stay up to date on the latest breaking news, sports, politics, and weather, be sure to download the 9NEWS app. Receive notifications straight to your smartphone by downloading the app, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.

[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]