Regional Variation in Alcohol Consumption in the Northern Territory: An Update

Alcohol consumption is higher in the Northern Territory (NT) than the rest of Australia. There is large regional variation in alcohol policy implementation, but no contemporary basic epidemiological data demonstrating variation in consumption. This study replicates and updates Gray and Chikritzhs' work from 2000, which showed substantial regional differences.

Quarterly wholesale data was provided by NT Liquor Licensing for 2022 and 2023. Per capita alcohol consumption of adults (15 years+) by beverage type was estimated across four regions (Top End, Lower Top End, Barkly and Central). We used independent t-tests to compare mean quarterly litres of pure alcohol consumption between Top End (the most populated region) and other regions. We also compared the proportion of beverage types.

Since Gray and Chikritzhs' work, consumption has fallen in all regions, by between 4.94% and 38.12%. Mean quarterly per capita consumption was significantly lower in Central (2.50 L) compared to Top End (3.28 L) [Correction added on 12 November 2025, after first online publication: In the Abstract section, under Results, the following data have been corrected: '34.4%', '2.65 L', and '3.24 L' to '38.12%', '2.50 L' and '3.28 L' in this version.]. Across all regions there were clear seasonal trends, with lowest consumption in Quarter 1 (January-March) and highest consumption in Quarter 3 (July-September). Despite reductions, in most NT regions alcohol consumption remains higher per capita than the national average. Cask wine consumption has notably decreased since previous estimates.

The decrease in cask wine is likely attributable to policies which targeted this beverage specifically. Per capita consumption in the Central Australian region is now lower than the national average, which is inconsistent with the greater rates of alcohol-related harms, and further investigation of moderating factors is warranted.