The Impact of ‘Alcopops’ on Regular Drinking by Young People in Wales

Abstract

This paper presents findings on alcopop consumption among 11-16-yearolds in Wales in 1996. Data are taken from the Welsh Youth Health Survey, which also provides information on trends in the frequency of consumption of other alcoholic drinks from the five previous surveys since 1986. The data indicate that, in 1996, 17% of young people reported consuming alcopops at least weekly. These proportions exceed those for cider, wine and spirits, but not those of weekly beer consumption by boys. Findings also indicate that a substantial minority of 11-16-year-olds report drinking alcopops only and do not consume other alcoholic drinks. Finally, analysis shows that for both boys and girls in the 11-12-year-old group, the increase in weekly drinking between 1994 and 1996 exactly matched the proportion drinking alcopops and no other alcoholic drink. Alcopops would also appear to account for approximately half of the increase among 13-14-year-old boys and girls and for most of that among 15-16-year-old girls. The implications of the findings for future initiatives in this area are discussed.