That’s the belief of the Café Society after figures from the British Beer and Pub Association showed alcohol consumption levels among young people to be falling.
The study, using figures from HM Revenue and Customs and the Office for National Statistics, shows that in 2003 70% of 16-24 year olds told interviewers they had had a drink in the previous week. By 2010 that number had dropped to 48%.
Furthermore, overall consumption per person fell 12% between 2004 and 2011 – a drop in pure alcohol terms from 9.5 litres per person per annum to 8.3 litres.
Jim Winship, director of the Café Society, explained more about the trend: “One reason for this drop is that young people are choosing to go to café’s to socialise as opposed to going to going out drinking.
“Indeed, cafes are fast becoming the social hubs in cities across the UK, regaining the position they once held.
“Back in the 1700s the London café scene was at the heart of life. People would not just go there for refreshments but also to get up to date with the latest news and to debate current issues. They were well frequented by politicians and leading figures such as Samuel Pepys.”