More than 80 breweries have shut down since June 2023, according to the Independent Brewers Association. Alcohol consumption in Australia fell by about 10 per cent in the three years to 2024. Analysts link the decline to younger drinkers, tighter household budgets and the rise of non-alcoholic alternatives. Non-alcoholic beer sales are projected to almost double by 2028. Hunter Valley winery owner Nathan Heuston says his weekly income has fallen sharply, while Australian Grape and Wine says the industry faces its most difficult period in generations.
A drink driver who killed his friend in a Tura Beach crash has been sentenced to six years' imprisonment. Edward James McCoid was 33 when he crashed on 21 June 2025, killing his 46-year-old passenger. The Bega District Court heard McCoid had a long history of problematic alcohol use linked to his anxiety. Acting Judge Andrew Haesler imposed a non-parole period of three years and 10 months, and McCoid is eligible for parole on 26 May 2030. The judge said McCoid must address his alcohol use before any release on parole.
Victoria Police will patrol Altona and Williamstown beaches this summer under a zero-tolerance approach to unsafe and antisocial behaviour. Operations begin on 1 November, with Water Police, the Public Order Response Team and other units supporting local officers. Acting Deputy Commissioner Chris Gilbert warned that alcohol, drugs and waterways can be a deadly mix. Jet ski riders will face speed and restricted-area checks, drug and alcohol testing, and possible vessel seizure. Patrols will also cover St Kilda, Half Moon Bay, the Surf Coast, Bass Coast and Mornington Peninsula.
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LARK Distilling Co. has expanded its annual Christmas Cask No.125 release, increasing the bottle size to 700mL from 500mL while maintaining the AUD $250 price. The Tasmanian single malt, created with Frogmore Creek and Jean-Pascal, features a unique finish in red wine barrels seasoned with fruit mince pie jus. This eighth edition offers 40% more whisky, with a 43% ABV and flavours including spiced apple, caramel and festive spices. The limited-edition release will be available from 21 October 2026 through the distillery's website and select retailers.
A Flinders University study of more than 23,000 Australians found Gen Z is nearly 20 times more likely to abstain from alcohol than Baby Boomers. The effect held after accounting for age and other demographic differences. Millennials and Gen X reported more drinks on a typical drinking occasion than Boomers, while the Silent Generation recorded the highest weekly consumption among drinkers. Lead author Dr Gianluca Di Censo said the change appears sustained rather than a phase. Alcohol brands are adapting to social occasions where drinking is not the norm.
Alcohol is widely accepted across Australian society, yet its effects on mental wellbeing often go unnoticed. Timed to Mental Health Month, this piece asks when drinking crosses the line into excess. It focuses on how Australians, particularly younger people, can moderate their intake and support the people around them. The feature image is credited to Vai Johnston, and the piece was originally published by The Wire.
Slow Lane Brewing, a Sydney-based craft brewery, has released Long Shadow, a Biere de Garde inspired by historic French farmhouse ales. This amber beer, brewed in cooler months, offers complex aromas of malt, dried fruit, and spices, with a rich, sweet malt character and a dry finish. Priced at $10.50 or $34 for a four-pack, its 7.5% ABV makes it ideal for sharing on cooler nights. The brewery, known for its award-winning beers, draws inspiration from traditional European styles, giving them a modern twist. Long Shadow is designed to bridge the gap between winter stouts and summer ales.
The father of a young woman who died from methanol poisoning in Laos has warned school leavers about the dangers of drinking. Mark Jones, whose daughter Bianca died in 2024, joined advocates to urge students and parents to discuss safe drinking habits before schoolies celebrations. He advised young adults to watch bartenders pour drinks, keep drinks secure, and verify alcohol authenticity, especially overseas. Foreign Minister Penny Wong also emphasised the importance of preparing for travel risks.
Northern Territory Police are investigating a fatal crash near Ramingining. A 51-year-old woman died at the scene after a Toyota Prado carrying six occupants rolled on the Ramingining/Central Arnhem Access Road. The other five people were taken to Royal Darwin Hospital with injuries. Police suspect alcohol may have contributed to the crash, but the deceased woman was not the driver.
