The World Health Organisation has warned against drinking booze during the coronavirus pandemic
, saying alcohol consumption increases the risk of COVID-19 infection - but industry data suggests Australians are drinking as much at home as they would at the pub.
Senior IBIS World analyst Matthew Reeves said revenue from online beer, wine and liquor sales, the fast-growing segment of the booze industry, was expected to rise by 16 per cent in 2019-20. "What we're hearing is that some people are drinking to cope with stress and anxiety and we know that's one of the worst things that you could be doing," she said.
"Warning against drinking altogether is clear overreach and not supported by the evidence or reflective of cultural norms in which the moderate consumption of a beer, wine, spirit or cocktail is sensibly enjoyed by the majority of Australians," Mr Wilsmore said.
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