Alcohol and tobacco consumption in Wollongong has declined steadily in the past decade, following broader trends across New South Wales and Australia, according to data from Wollongong City Council.
In the 2014-15 financial year, Wollongong residents spent an average of $6,329 per household on alcoholic beverages and tobacco, slightly lower than the state ($6,785) and national averages ($6,655).
By 2022-23 the amount had dropped significantly to $4,386, a decline of 30.7 per cent. This reduction reflects consumption across the state which decreased from $6,785 to $5,023 over the same period, and Australia, which witnessed a fall from $6,655 to $4,487.
Dan Murphy store manager in North Wollongong, Chris Colqurn said the decline in sales can be attributed to the increasing variety of drink options, cost of living pressures, and stricter regulations on social gatherings.
“I think a lot of people are turning to options that contain lower alcohol, and it might be the reason the sale has decreased in that space,” he said.
“Probably, cost of living has an effect as well with constant price increases like every six months.
“There’s a lot more eyes on the partying scene, although not huge, it might have affected the sale as well.”
According to the research, young people, in particular, are drinking less and are said to be responsible for driving this decline in national consumption.
In the financial year 2022-2023, the largest share of Wollongong’s household spending is allocated to housing, which accounts for 23.5 per cent of the total expenditure. This is followed by goods and services at 13 per cent, and recreation and culture at 10.2 per cent.
Food represents 9.2 per cent of spending, while transport makes up 8.9 per cent. The hospitality sector, which includes hotels, cafes, and restaurants, absorbs 7.9 per cent of household budgets.
Health-related expenses account for 6.5 per cent, and furnishings & equipment for 4.6 per cent. While clothing represents 4.1 per cent of spending, while alcoholic beverages and tobacco stand at 3.9 per cent. Education makes up 3.5 per cent, and utilities contribute 2.7 percent. Communications represent 1.8 per cent of the total household budget.