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🇦🇺 Australia /Culture & Society

Rethinking drinking as gen Z wakes up to joy of early rising

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Young adults, particularly Gen Z, are increasingly choosing early rising and healthier lifestyles over traditional heavy drinking.
  • University social scenes and nightlife have shifted, with fewer campus parties and less emphasis on cheap alcohol.
  • This cultural change is driven by rising health awareness, the cost of living, and a greater availability of non-alcoholic options.

The traditional image of university life, often associated with late nights and heavy drinking, is undergoing a significant transformation, particularly among Gen Z. Students like Connor Whiteman, studying to become a vet, note a distinct shift away from rowdy nights out.

Post-COVID, the university did really build a crackdown, and the university doesn't really allow campus parties anymore.

— Connor WhitemanA university student describes the changes in campus social life.

"Post-COVID, the university did really build a crackdown, and the university doesn't really allow campus parties anymore," Whiteman said. He also observed that "the nightlife in town has also sort of gone down. They're not really advertising cheaper drinks." While students still socialize, the culture has moved from "getting smashed" to activities like running clubs and other social gatherings.

This shift is mirrored in the hospitality industry. Matthew Oates, owner of Romano's Hotel in Wagga Wagga, a venue once known for its 90s party scene, now sees pubs transforming into spaces for functions and fine dining. "The idea of a country pub serving up an espresso martini 20 years ago would have been so foreign and so strange, but now it's an everyday event," he noted, highlighting the evolving tastes and expectations.

The nightlife in town has also sort of gone down. They're not really advertising cheaper drinks.

— Connor WhitemanA university student comments on the decline of traditional nightlife options.

Mick Gibb, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, points to a rise in health consciousness. "You saw the rise of the 5am run club, with people getting up at 5am instead of getting home at 5am," he said. Gibb also highlighted the growing demand for non-alcoholic options in venues, reflecting a broader consumer trend.

People still go out drinking; they'll definitely go out for a beer or two. But there's been a change in culture in getting smashed.

— Connor WhitemanA university student explains the shift in student attitudes towards drinking.

Data supports this cultural evolution. Studies show a decline in risky drinking levels among Australian adults, dropping from over 40% in 2004 to about 32% in 2022-23. Research from Flinders University indicates Gen Z is nearly 20 times more likely to abstain from alcohol compared to baby boomers. Factors contributing to this include the rising cost of living, increased health awareness, and the availability of digital entertainment, leading individuals like Serena Hardwick from Business NSW to observe that people are more cautious about spending on alcohol and more aware of its health impacts.

Pubs have transformed more into venues where you're more likely to have a function or go out for a nice meal.

— Matthew OatesThe owner of Romano's Hotel discusses how pubs have adapted to changing customer preferences.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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