Survey Finds Yukoners Satisfied with Current Drinking Age

On two key alcohol related issues, Yukoners are pleased with the status quo.  65% of the 300 Yukoners surveyed felt the drinking age should stay at 19.  However, over one-quarter of the respondents felt it should be older, and increased to 21 years old.  This attitude was more apparent outside of Whitehorse, where 34% would prefer to see the drinking age increased to 21.  In Whitehorse, this was only 19%, while 67% liked the current age of 19 and 9% were willing to see it lowered to 18. 

Surprisingly, it was not the youngest groups seeking a lowering of the age restriction.  Among those under the age of 35, only 1% supported a drinking age of 18, while 71% wanted it kept at 19, and 28% want it raised. 

Most Yukoners are also pleased that beer and wine is not available in grocery or convenience stores.  62% would not want beer/wine sold at those types of locations.

When asked about their individual preferences for beer, 45% of Yukoners reported they do not drink beer.  Of those who do, 57% prefer it in bottles, over cans (39%), or on tap (4%).  Non-beer drinkers were highest in the communities (49% non-beer drinkers), among government employees (50% don’t drink beer), and those over the age of 50 (52% don’t drink beer).

A profile of beer drinkers shows they are employed (61%), in the private sector (57%), well educated (45% with college/university), married (67%), 35 – 49 (40%).  They are more likely than non-beer drinkers to be concerned about the economy, and are more likely to believe in UFOs.  They were also more likely than non-beer drinkers to be satified with the drinking age at 19.  16% of beer drinkers felt the drinking age should be raised, while 37% of non-beer drinkers would like it raised.

The survey was conducted by DataPath Systems; an independent Yukon-based market research company. Telephone surveys were conducted with 150 Whitehorse residents and 150 non-Whitehorse residents between February 14 and 21/2001. The data is weighted to accurately represent Yukoners based on the community they live in, their age and gender. Percentages are statistically valid to +/- 5.5%, 19 times out of 20 (95% confidence). This was a non-commissioned study, paid for by DataPath Systems.