How did COVID-19 restrictions impact alcohol consumption in Australia? A longitudinal study

Introduction: The state of Victoria experienced more stringent public health measures than other Australian states during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated how these public health measures impacted: (i) total alcohol consumption; (ii) location-specific consumption; and (iii) consumption among different pre-pandemic drinking groups, in Victoria compared to the rest of Australia during the first year of the pandemic. Method: A longitudinal study with six survey waves was conducted between April and December 2020. A total of 775 adults completed data on alcohol use, including detailed consumption location information. Based on their 2019 consumption, participants were classified into low, moderate or high-risk groups. Data were analysed descriptively. Results: There was no difference in total alcohol consumption from 2019 levels among Victorians and those from the other Australian states when Victoria was the only state in lockdown. Location-specific consumption was relatively similar for Victoria and the rest of Australia, with an increase in home drinking, and a decrease in consumption in someone else's home, licensed premises and public spaces during lockdown compared with 2019. Participants in the high-risk group reported a reduction of two standard drinks per day in November 2020 compared with 2019. In contrast, consumption remained relatively stable for participants in the low and moderate-risk groups once accounting for regression to the mean. Discussion and Conclusion: Contrary to expectations, restrictions on licensed premises appeared to impact high-risk drinkers more than low and moderate-risk drinkers. Reducing availability of on-premise alcohol may be an effective way to reduce consumption in heavier drinkers.