Gen Z Drinking Habits: A New Perspective
Recent research by Lumina Intelligence and CGA by NIQ reveals that Gen Z is still frequenting pubs and bars, but with changing habits.
Key findings from Lumina Intelligence's Eating and Drinking Out Panel include a 2.5 percentage point year-on-year growth in alcoholic drink occasions in pubs and bars, with overall alcohol penetration rising by 1.1 points.
- Growth was driven by 18-to-34-year-olds, whose share of drinking occasions increased by 4.2 points in the past year.
- More 18- to 24-year-olds now describe themselves as drinking 'often' or 'sometimes', with fewer opting out completely.
Younger adults are driving later nights, mixing alcoholic and low-ABV drinks, and favouring hybrid “third-space” venues.
Author's summary: Gen Z drinking habits are evolving, not declining.