Beer is Young’s favourite beverage – even among women.

Local bar managers say beer accounts for nearly half of all beverage purchases. Spirits are our second favourite, surpassing wine purchases. 

More than 30 percent of all beverage purchases are spirits with wine accounting for nearly 20 percent of all purchases.

Non-alcoholic drinks make up just four percent of purchases.

Young Bowling club spokeswoman Margo Parker said women are purchasing beer in bigger numbers due to the wider choice.

“We are finding women are drinking more of the craft beers, beers that have a bit of flavour added to them,” she said.

“The feedback we are getting is that women find those beers more refreshing.”

Empire Hotel assistant bar manager Glenn Schiller said the range of mid strength brews now available has contributed to the increase in beer’s popularity amongst all drinkers.

“Our wine sales are down with more women drinking beer,” he said.

“Mid-strength beer has taken over and people now drink it because drink driving awareness is a big factor.”