What's causing beer sales to plunge?

Industry trackers say 2023 was not a good year for beer with sales falling 5% and 2024 is expected to be the worst year of sales in more than two decades. Daniel Kline, editor-at-large for TheStreet, joined CBS News to analyze the trend.

[Some.real.human.]

Can we talk about how a beer is now $8+ at restaurants

[jazzypoo]

I quit drinking alcohol, so this is all my fault.

[stephenchalmers]

People who drink craft beers don’t drink as many beers as people who drink weak mass produced beers. With more and more people drinking craft beers from microbreweries, that’s going to affect overall sales. This is a good trend.

[Mr.A_nyc]

Beer was only so big because of the prohibition of weed.

[StillLivinginthewoods]

1. The Bud Light drama.
2. People have become much more aware of the effects of excessive carbohydrates in the diet.
3. Hard liquor, like tequila and bourbon, have become much more popular.
4. Marijuana has become legal in more and more states.
5. Most beer tastes like water.

[cagastrio]

"Why are people buying less of our product after we jacked up the price?"

[volcom]

People are catching on that drinking is expensive and ends up causing more trouble than they want in their lives. A lot of people I know have gone sober including me because they dont want to be broke especially in these hard times. Drinking isnt worth it anymore.

[CJ_]

I think a lot of people are also realizing the damaging effects of alcohol on the body, mind, and relationships.

[Robfreeroamrehab]

Been sober for 4 years now. I can’t speak for everyone, but I’ve been meeting more and more people who have quit alcohol. No interest in ever going back.

[dizzyspinner]

Many of us have discovered as we age that no amount of alcohol is good for us and that it feels better not to drink at all. I won't be drinking alcohol in any form, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. The idea that any amount is good for you, while still popular, is thoroughly debunked. As more and more people figure this out, expect alcohol sales to decline further.

[laurakarma]

High prices is likely the reason. Beer used to be cheap and now it is expensive.

[billhorton]

I quit drinking Thanksgiving '22. I'll accept the responsibility if Pabst Blue Ribbon had a down year. I was good for 60-75 beers a week (293-341 gallons per year).

[jamesnew]

I was out of the country from 2019 to 2022. Upon my return I was surprised by the price increase in beer and the shelf-space for hard seltzer and canned cocktails in the supermarkets.

[donnyramay]

Not only is beer overpriced at restaurants and taverns but a new trend of sobriety emerging in health & fitness. Beer gives men a dad bawd.

[njmddude]

I stopped drinking alcohol about 10 years ago; my brothers and friends as well. We're all tail-end boomers and just want a more healthy lifestyle as we age.

[KarmamixedwithKindness]

I've been a beer drinker for decades and I've quit alcohol all together. Not only for my health which is number one but cost. People need to get themselves together to take care of the most important things and alcohol robs people of that. People are getting sick of being sick and sick of spending money on it too.

[LFMcD]

The cost of going out to a restaurant and have an alcoholic beverage or two with a meal is completely out of control. A meal for 2 with 2 drinks each at a sit down casual restaurant before tax and tip now is: 2 burgers with fries @ $15 ea. 2 12 oz draft beers @ $7 ea. 2 6 oz. glass house wine @ $7 ea. = $58. With tax and tip that is a casual meal for 2 with 2 drinks ea. costs now over $60. If you just had a $3 soft drink or tea with refills that are now no longer free, bill would be before tax and tip $42. that would come to over $50 for a casual meal with no alcohol. 3 years ago before this massive greed began, most people went out at least 2 meals a week and cost was half of what it is now. The bottom 75% now has had to cut that down to 1-2 meals out a month, if that and that includes take out, fast food and food at grocery stores. 2024 looks like even more eating at home, less going out after work for a drink, many restaurant closings and the start of another recession. Lack of disposable income has a huge impact on the economy.

[chrisprice]

My wife and I were out for a walk one day this past summer. We passed a local brewery, and thought stopping in on a hot day, sounded good. I had a 20 in my pocket. It wasn’t enough for two glasses, straight from the source. Had to use a card. Was the last time we went there.

[dtex]

One, nobody can afford beer. Two, marijuana is being legalized in many states and feels better than the buzz alcohol gives without the hangover

[tnnsboy]

Beer makes you fat, drinking makes you a prime target for cops... fk it... let the industry collapse.