New York City, renowned for its iconic skyline, cultural diversity, vibrant nightlife, and global significance in finance, media, and entertainment, also boasts another distinction: it ranks as one of the top cities in America for alcohol consumption.
A recent study conducted by VinePair, a website dedicated to covering wine, beer, and spirits, assessed New York City as the 12th “drunkest” city in the United States. This ranking was determined by analyzing data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Yelp, focusing on the number of breweries, bars, and wine bars per 100,000 residents within the country’s 50 largest cities.
How Drunk Is New York City?
The study revealed that New York City hosts an average of 1.4 breweries, 28.7 general bars, and 3.3 wine bars per 100,000 residents. This equates to an impressive total of over 11,000 bars and 2,600 wine bars catering to its population of more than 8.3 million. Furthermore, the city boasts a dense network of liquor stores, with 6.4 per 100,000 residents.
New York City’s drinking culture is influenced by its diverse and cosmopolitan population, its thriving and varied nightlife, and its reputation as a top tourist destination. The city is home to iconic drinking establishments like McSorley’s Old Ale House, recognized as the oldest pub in the country, the legendary jazz venue Blue Note, and trendy rooftop bars such as The Standard.
It also hosts numerous alcohol-themed events and festivals, including the New York Wine and Food Festival, New York Beer Week, and the New York Cocktail Expo.
How Does New York City Compare to Other Cities?
The study ranked the 50 largest U.S. cities based on their drinking habits, considering the number of breweries, bars, and wine bars per 100,000 residents. The top 10 “drunkest” cities in the U.S. are:
- Milwaukee, WI
- Denver, CO
- Portland, OR
- Seattle, WA
- San Francisco, CA
- Boston, MA
- Minneapolis, MN
- San Diego, CA
- Chicago, IL
- Austin, TX
Interestingly, the study observed that the “drunkest” cities tended to be located in the northern or western regions of the country, characterized by colder climates and a more liberal culture. These cities also boasted robust craft beer scenes, with many local breweries and brewpubs. Additionally, they displayed a higher median household income and a lower poverty rate than the national average, suggesting a correlation between economic prosperity and alcohol consumption.
Conversely, the study identified the 10 “least drunk” cities in the U.S., which include:
- Memphis, TN
- El Paso, TX
- Detroit, MI
- Indianapolis, IN
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Charlotte, NC
- Nashville, TN
- Jacksonville, FL
- Houston, TX
- Dallas, TX
These cities, primarily located in the southern or central regions of the country, featured warmer climates and a more conservative culture. They exhibited a lower availability and popularity of alcohol, with fewer breweries, bars, and wine bars per 100,000 residents. Additionally, they had a lower median household income and a higher poverty rate compared to the national average, suggesting a correlation between economic challenges and lower alcohol consumption.
What Are the Implications of the Study?
Beyond its rankings, this study offers valuable insights into the drinking habits and preferences of Americans across various cities. It also highlights important questions and challenges for public health and policymakers, as excessive drinking can have adverse effects on individuals and society.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines excessive drinking as binge drinking (four or more drinks for women or five or more drinks for men on a single occasion), heavy drinking (eight or more drinks for women or 15 or more drinks for men per week), or any alcohol use by pregnant women or underage individuals.
Excessive drinking is associated with increased risks of health problems, including liver disease, heart disease, stroke, cancer, and mental disorders. It can also contribute to social issues such as violence, crime, accidents, and injuries.
According to the CDC, excessive drinking resulted in a cost of $249 billion in the U.S. in 2010, equivalent to $2.05 per drink. These costs encompass healthcare expenses, lost productivity, criminal justice expenses, and property damage. Excessive drinking is also responsible for 95,000 deaths and 2.8 million years of potential life lost annually in the U.S.
To mitigate the impact of excessive drinking, the CDC recommends evidence-based strategies, including increasing alcohol taxes, limiting alcohol outlet density, enforcing minimum legal drinking age laws, providing screening and counseling for alcohol misuse, and promoting responsible beverage service. For individuals who choose to drink, the CDC advises moderation, avoiding alcohol on an empty stomach, refraining from mixing alcohol with other drugs, and not driving after drinking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, New York City stands out as one of the nation’s most alcohol-friendly cities, as confirmed by a study from VinePair. This study ranks the city based on the availability and popularity of alcohol, driven by its diverse population, vibrant nightlife, and tourist appeal. Furthermore, it identifies patterns of alcohol consumption related to geography, culture, and economic factors. While this ranking is intriguing, it also raises important questions about the consequences of excessive drinking, urging policymakers and individuals to consider responsible consumption for the well-being of society as a whole.