Liquor before beer, best to steer clear? Why people are drinking less these days

Have you been at a party recently and found yourself reaching for sparkling water instead of a glass of wine? Join the club.   A new Gallup poll found that Americans are drinking less than ever before. Only 54% of U.S. adults are reporting that they consume alcohol. That’s a record low since the survey company started asking about people’s drinking habits back in 1939.  And young people are drinking less than older Americans, a trend we’re seeing in our region, too: The Seattle Times reports that young people - especially young men - are reporting lower alcohol consumption than other age groups in the area.  We want to know how local businesses are navigating this -- and what could be behind this shift.  Guest: Emily Ritchie, executive director of the Northwest Cider Association. Malcolm Purinton, assistant teaching professor of history at Northeastern University.  Related stories:  U.S. Drinking Rate at New Low as Alcohol Concerns Surge | Gallup  How much do adults in Seattle drink? Here’s what new data shows | The Seattle Times Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes. Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.