Gallup Study: Alcohol Use Drops to Record Low as Concerns Rise

A new Gallup study reveals that alcohol consumption in the United States has fallen to a record low, while concern about drinking—particularly even moderate use—is at its highest level ever.

Just 54% of Americans now say they drink alcohol, marking a significant shift in habits. At the same time, 53% report being concerned about the risks associated with even moderate drinking.

The trend is noticeable here in the Coachella Valley. At Kitchen 86 in Palm Desert, staff and customers alike are seeing the change firsthand. Some patrons are choosing to cut back, while others have quit drinking altogether. “I have noticed this over the last couple of years,” one customer shared. “I quit drinking because of a choice.”

For servers, the decline in alcohol sales has also impacted their bottom line. “The higher that we have our ticket, the more likely we are to get a higher tip,” one worker explained. “And if we’re not selling as much, then we’re not making as much.”

Instead of cocktails, some customers are turning to cannabis products as alternatives, reflecting another nationwide shift in social and recreational habits.

At Kitchen 86 and beyond, the choice to “86 alcohol” is increasingly becoming part of the new normal across America.

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