Alcopops and under‐age drinking: changing trends in drink preference

Assesses the popularity of the new alcoholic carbonates (alcopops) among 14‐15 year old schoolchildren. Considers the relationship between last occasion consumption of alcopops and self‐reported drunkenness. These data are based on a follow‐up study of schoolchildren who self‐completed the same standard instrument in 1994 and two years later in 1997. The survey was carried out in five Dundee schools selected in consultation with the Local Education Authority. In 1994, schoolchildren in years S3‐4 aged 14‐15 were surveyed (n = 373). The survey was repeated again with S3‐4 pupils in 1996. Data from those pupils originally sampled as S1‐2 pupils and followed up at time 2 (n = 288) are included here. Alcopops were introduced onto the market three months after the first survey was carried out. By the time the original sample was recontacted in 1996, alcopops were the second most likely drink to be consumed by these under‐age drinkers (17.3 per cent drank alcopops, the same proportion as drank vodka, 20.8 per cent consumed ordinary beers on the last occasion). Despite the popularity of alcopops these drinks were not associated with drunkenness. Given the rate of increase in alcopop consumption between the two survey times, it is clear that the alcoholic carbonates are popular among under‐age drinkers. That these drinks are not associated with drunkenness suggests the importance of a better understanding of the decisions young people bring to bear on alcohol choice.