 Occasional getting drunk is a core part of national identity for most Australians, according to new research. The National Drug and Alcohol Research Council study of 1500 Australians found that some 58 percent of people agreed that sometimes having too much to drink was "simply part of the Australian way of life." The survey found that about one in 10 people had a problem with alcohol at some point in their lives and that about 60 percent were close to someone who had experienced a drinking problem.
"Waitresh! My friend's got a drinkin' problem!"
"Right! I'll get a mop!" |
The study also found that 17 percent of those interviewed said that they sometimes felt pressure to drink alcohol while in a work situation.
"Jones! I need those reports by 1 o'clock!"
"Right, boss! Soon's I finish this sudser!" |
Paul Dillon, information manager with the council, said the findings showed that Australians appeared to be having their first alcoholic drink at a younger age than previously.
"Here ya go, little fella!"
"Fergawdsake, Sid! Wait'll he's weaned, at least!" |
The study found that 54 percent of respondents had their first alcoholic drink when under the legal drinking age of 18, with people in the 30 and under age group saying they had their first drink when they were only 10-12.
| That'd be when boys are most likely to discover beer. At that age, the burping's the best part... |
Dillon said while Australians had been successful in banning smoking in most public places, the community was not ready to sever its ties to booze. "Australians are not ready yet to make that big leap that we've seen with tobacco," he told AFP. "I don't think the community is ready for a wave against alcohol. It really is part of our culture," he said.
| "So piss off! There ain't no damned Massachussetts in Australia!" |
Most Australians interviewed for the survey said they did not think that warning labels on bottles would encourage people to drink less.
| Hold the line, guys. First it's the smokes, then it's the beer, then they come for your testicles. |
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