The coronavirus crisis has affected the world and changed the way alcohol is consumed. Feeling hopeless and insecure, people often seek relief in a bottle of alcohol, and more alcoholics have emerged during a pandemic than ever before. The approach to alcohol and the way it is bought have changed massively.
Buying alcohol online is on the rise
Although many people bought alcohol in stone shops, a large part of the population was used to visiting pubs, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. When these businesses closed, consumers had to find another alternative, namely buying alcohol online. According to data from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), for example, online alcohol sales in the US increased by 234% during the pandemic, and EU countries also saw a massive increase.
Buying alcohol online
Most people had no experience of buying alcohol online until the pandemic, but from the beginning, they began to have alcohol e-shops. As the offer of alcohol e-shops is richer than the austere offer of a few bottles at the bar, consumers have also begun to discover new brands and experiment with them.
Why has the number of alcoholics increased?
During a pandemic, the number of alcoholics increased and existing alcoholics often increased their consumption even more. This was also reflected in the sharp increase in the number of cases of domestic violence. According to the OECD, emergency calls about domestic violence in the EU have increased by 60%. Excessive drinking is the most risky factor in domestic violence. When people are isolated, they are less able to cope with stress and alcohol is often the first solution they find.
Alcoholism is also supported by the fact that many people started working from home. When people are at home, no one cares about their access to alcohol and so often drink at work. There has also been an increase in alcoholics among minors, young people are most affected by limited social contact and often deal with alcohol. The trend of buying alcohol online is unlikely to decline, as many businesses have gone bankrupt as a result of the crisis and people are often accustomed to drinking in the comfort of their own homes.
Source:
https://www.oecd.org/coronavirus/policy-responses/the-effect-of-covid-19-on-alcohol-consumption-and-policy-responses-to-prevent-harmful-alcohol-consumption-53890024/
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