Australia's alcohol industry "dependent" on problem drinkers: report

Australia's alcohol industry is "dependent" on heavy and risky drinkers, a report has detailed on Wednesday.

The Foundation of Alcohol Research and Education has accused the alcohol industry of promoting alcohol advertisement at those most at risk, ensuring that heavy drinkers stay heavy drinkers.

The report follows damning statistics revealed last year, which indicated almost three quarters of all alcohol being sold in Australia was being consumed by just 20 percent of the population.

The analysis showed that while overall alcohol consumption was down, those listed in the "heaviest drinkers" category had increased the proportion of alcohol consumed by more than five percent over the last decade.

Michael Thorn, chief executive of the Foundation of Alcohol Research and Education, on Wednesday said the alcohol industry, through advertising and marketing, was taking advantage of its best customers by ignoring the worrying signs associated with problem drinking.

"The alcohol industry keeps pointing to the fact that most people drink responsibly and maturely," Thorn told Fairfax Media.

"This data shows the group who are heaviest drinkers consume enormous quantities of alcohol."

"The alcohol industry is totally dependent on risky drinking."

The data showed that "occasional drinkers" accounted for just 0.7 percent of all alcohol sold in Australia, while the "regular drinkers" category made up 25 percent.

A spokesperson for the Australian Liquor Stores Association maintained that the alcohol industry was committed to ensuring its products were consumed in moderation.

"Our people are properly trained to ensure that people don't drink to excess," the spokesperson told Fairfax. endit