CAFES are fast taking over from pubs as the place for young people to meet, according to a survey by a group representing Burton’s brewers.
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), which speaks for brewers including Marston’s and Molson Coors, found that in 2003, 70 per cent of 16 to 24 year olds said they had had a drink in the previous week.
By 2010, the figure had fallen to 48 per cent.
In addition, alcohol consumption per person dropped 12 per cent between 2004 and 2011 – a drop in pure alcohol terms from 9.5 litres per person per year to 8.3.
Jim Winship, director of the Cafe Society, said: “One reason for this drop is that young people are choosing to go to cafes to socialise as opposed to going out drinking.
“Indeed, cafes are fast becoming the social hubs in cities across the UK, regaining the position they once held.”
