Pre-mixed drinks luring youth into binge-drinking culture

Melbourne, Mar 27 : Cheap and brightly coloured pre-mixed drinks are enticing kids as young as 12 into a binge-drinking culture, says a new study.

Citing the trend, the study conducted by VicHealth, which found that two in five young people consume pre-mixed spirits, has identified the 12 most dangerous alcoholic drinks in Australia.

The analysis named Bundaberg Rum and Cola, Kristov Vodka Cruiser Black Raspberry and Bulleit Bourbon as the drinks among the "dirty dozen".

The drinks were selected for their relatively low cost and high alcohol content, which ranges between 7-9 per cent, or two standard drinks.

The figures show that 48 per cent of the pre-mixed drinks consumed by young Victorians are "new generation" pre-mixers - those based on energy drinks.

Rounding out the list are Woodstock Bourbon, Jager Bomb, Fairy Bomb, Haig Extra Scotch and Cola, Elevate Bomb, Hi NRG, Cougar Volt, Crazy Mexican and Pulse Red.

VicHealth was calling for the alcohol content of pre-mixed drinks to be limited to 1.5 standard drinks per product or 5 per cent alcohol concentration per serve.

VicHealth boss Todd Harper has called for action.

"This is a product that is causing a lot of harm amongst young people," News.com.au quoted Harper, as saying.

"Reducing the number of standard drinks per container is a significant step towards reducing the harm," he added.

ANI