US alcohol consumption hits historic lows as brewery closures outpace openings
Updated
Updated · ipm.org · May 8
US alcohol consumption hits historic lows as brewery closures outpace openings
11 articles · Updated · ipm.org · May 8
In 2025, more breweries closed than opened for a second straight year, while Gallup found 54% of Americans drink and only about half of young adults do.
Brewers and restaurants say health concerns, tighter budgets and shifts to THC drinks, seltzers and mocktails are cutting sales, with alcohol's higher margins especially important for struggling eateries.
Some Indiana brewers argue the downturn may prove cyclical, noting beer remains the top choice among drinkers and businesses with strong food, ambience or established brands are still growing.
As science confirms no safe alcohol level, is America's century-long drinking culture finally coming to an end?
How can the alcohol market be booming if Americans are drinking less than at any time since the 1930s?
Are popular weight-loss drugs unintentionally helping to solve America's drinking problem?
U.S. Alcohol Use Falls to New Lows in 2025: Health Awareness, Economic Pressures, and Social Shifts
Overview
In 2025, alcohol consumption in the U.S. is declining as more people become aware of health and wellness issues. The rise in chronic illnesses, with nearly a third of adults managing multiple conditions, is making Americans rethink their drinking habits. Many now understand that alcohol can worsen these health problems, leading to a broader trend of evaluating and reducing alcohol use. This shift is driven by growing public awareness of the risks, changing attitudes, and a desire for better health, resulting in a noticeable drop in alcohol consumption across the country.