Rod Phillips comments on declining alcohol consumption in Canada
Rod Phillips comments on declining alcohol consumption in Canada
A Statistics Canada report released on 5 March noted that per capita consumption of alcohol in Canada had reached its lowest level in 20 years. The report attracted a lot of attention, and several media reached out to Professor Rod Phillips, a historian of alcohol, for a comment. He pointed out that alcohol consumption was declining globally, particularly among younger age cohorts, so that we need to look for broadly applicable explanations, not necessarily for conditions peculiar to Canada. He suggested broader awareness of and receptiveness to warnings about the health risks associated with alcohol was driving lower alcohol consumption. He also cited affordability, especially among younger people, as a deterrent, although he noted that spending on non-alcoholic beverages (which can be as expensive as their alcoholic counterparts) was increasing. He noted the emergence of a culture that recognizes that alcohol need not involved in social gatherings. For example, early morning dance parties (without alcohol) are becoming increasingly popular in Europe. Finally, cannabis consumption has been rising, and it might well have cut into the alcohol market.
Among the media Rod spoke to were the Canadian Press (syndicated across Canada), The Hub, and CBC News.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/alcohol-sales-drop-canada-9.7117257
Rod was also interviewed by China Daily on the effects, one year on, of the ban of sale of American alcohol in most provinces. Canada was the largest export market for US alcohol, and the ban has contributed to a decline in exports. On the other hand, there is increasing demand in Canada for alcohol produced in Canada.
Professor Phillips teaches a course on the history of alcohol at Carleton.