A recent survey conducted by Island Global Research (IGR) has revealed significant divides among Guernsey residents regarding alcohol consumption, its effects, and potential interventions.

Half of the island’s young adults (18 – 39) said that getting drunk is socially acceptable.

But older people disagreed, with less than 10% of those over 65 saying the same.

1,393 Guernsey residents had answered the survey out of a total of 4,249 across Jersey, the Isle of Man, and Gibraltar with the Guernsey data statistically weighted by age and gender to ensure it accurately represents the island’s population.

Behaviour and Health Implications

A striking difference emerges between age groups regarding the social acceptability of drunkenness according to the survey results. 

While half of 18-39 year olds consider getting drunk socially acceptable, this figure plummets to single digits among those 65 and over, with 91% deeming it unacceptable.

Concerns about anti-social behavior related to excessive alcohol consumption are widespread, with 55% of respondents “very concerned” and 34% “somewhat concerned.” 

However, the number of people who are “very concerned” rises with age, from 50% of younger islanders to 67% of those aged 65 and over.

Interestingly, older islanders are less likely to be concerned about the impact of alcohol on their own behavior and health.

Only 2% of the 65+ group worry about alcohol-related misbehavior, compared to 9% of 18-39 year olds.  Similar trends are observed regarding health concerns, with only 5% of older islanders “very concerned,” compared to 16% of the youngest group. 

It should also be noted that islanders are united in their belief that drinking in moderation is fine, with 90% of 18 – 39s, 93% of 40-64s, and 91% of those 65 and up all agreeing with that statement.

35% of respondents said they are ‘very concerned’ on the cost implications for Guernsey’s healthcare system (Courtesy of Island Global Research).

Alcohol’s influence

Just over a third (34%) of islanders report being negatively impacted by someone else’s alcohol-influenced actions. 

Support for Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) for alcohol also stands at 34%. However, there is stronger support for other measures. 

67% of respondents favour clear health warnings on alcohol products, similar to those on tobacco, with 58% supporting restrictions on alcohol advertising.  Within these figures, 34% strongly support these proposals.

Opposition to increasing excise duty on alcohol is notable, with 53% against such a move and a third strongly opposed. 

Only 26% of respondents supported increasing the duty.

1 in 4 respondents think there should be more controls on alcohol promotions in Guernsey (Courtesy of Island Global Research).

Awareness of support

Of significance in the report findings is the apparent lack of awareness regarding alcohol support services. 

39% of respondents overall, and a higher proportion (51%) of those under 40, reported they wouldn’t know where to turn for help with cutting back or quitting alcohol.

Despite differing opinions on specific measures, a majority of islanders (52%) believe more should be done to address alcohol-related issues, with 16% advocating for “much more” action.  

Of the organisations that were most commonly mentioned included the Alcohol & Drug Service, Alcoholics Anonymous, your Doctors (GP), and Silkworth.

Almost half of 18 – 39 year olds asked about alcohols influence in Guernsey, said it had negatively impacted them in some way (Courtesy of Island Global Research).

You can find IGRs full report online HERE.