Binge-drinkers choose beer but wine plays role'

by John Harrington

Beer is the most popular choice for binge drinking ­ an activity undertaken by half of all 18 to 34 year-olds ­ according to new research from the Wine Trade Action Group (WTAG).

The WTAG, which represents 33 wine companies, has just released guidelines for responsible marketing and selling of alcohol as it acknowledges that wine is likely to play an increasingly big role if action is not taken (see box).

The findings ­ based on interviews with 1,300 18 to 34-year-olds, plus anecdotal evidence from drinkers, police and pub staff ­ seek to show in particular the role wine plays in people's binge-drinking repertoire.

It shows that by far the greatest number of alcohol units ­ four out of 10 ­ consumedduring a binge-drinking session were from beer. Wine, spirits and RTDs held a share of 15%, 16% and 13% respectively. It claims that wine "does not yet appear to be a significant factor in binge drinking", but predicts that it could be in the future.

Although only a very small number of binge drinkers said wine is the only alcoholic drink they consume per session, 25% said they drank wine at some point in the evening.

Wine is often used as an early-evening "mood enhancer", and the increased availability of wine in pubs and bars is fuelling its use among binge drinkers, the WTAG found. Increasingly bigger servings and deals such as "buy two glasses and get the rest of the bottle free" help push this trend.

The increase in drinking among women is also fuelling the use of wine in binge-drinking sessions, it said. Despite the male bias of binge drinking, just under half of 18 to 34-year-old women exceeded six units of alcohol three or more times a month.

Wine, women and bingeing

WTAG chairman Mike Paul said: "There will be some people in the wine trade who would be quite surprised that wine plays a role [in binge drinking] at all. A lot say this is a problem for others but not for wine, but [this research] shows that wine does play a role.

"The suggestion is that wine's role is increasing as it is being promoted more in bars and pubs, and also consumption of wine has increased generally. Therefore we need to be looking to play our part in coming up with solutions and not saying it is somebody else's problem."

He added that the general rise in drinking among women, who are far more likely to opt for wine, has increased the use of wine among binge drinkers.