[mrslave]

Among my work colleagues, friends, and family, it seems alcohol consumption has either slightly increased or significantly decreased.

I made a conscious choice as Coronavirus was just getting its shoes on to completely stop drinking alcohol. I haven't felt this great in ages and intend to teetotal beyond the crisis.

The occasional dinner out with drinkers since some of the restrictions were eased has not been a problem and - company depending - as enjoyable as usual. I'll probably skip the pub socials when they reopen but dinners, lunches, and sports seem fine. Next stop: more exercise!

[gibolt]

Being the one to say 'I don't drink' is generally awkward, as few people expect that response. What I've found is usually at least one other person per ~10 people will follow up and say they don't either.

From there it can be contagious, with others questioning themselves drinking, or at least drinking less.

[Raphael_Amiard]

It's pretty common amongst my geeky social circles in Paris, much less (for obvious reasons) amongst the musicians/partyers social circles, unfortunately.

What's very annoying is the social pressure: feeling compelled to say something, anything, when somebody say they won't have that drink in a social gathering. Just shut the hell up! (Saying that to myself too!)

[intellirogue]

One thing I've found fascinating since moving to Germany is that you'll be judged here if you say "I don't drink beer", but drinking non-alcoholic beer is perfectly acceptable. It's not the alcohol that people care about.

[wirrbel]

Depending on the region, "I don't drink beer" can sound a bit snobbish (as in "I only drink wine and champaign"). Other than that I've never heard anything bad when I ordered Apfelschorle (apple juice + carbonated water mix). And I think "Alkoholfreies Weizen" would even be accepted among very beer-centred groups.

One cultural difference between Germany and the states is, that drunk-driving is much more actively shunned so its more acceptable to not drink.

[randomdata]

Somebody must be drinking a lot more. Sales at my brewery have approximately tripled over last year. It has become a business challenge in not having the capacity to keep up with demand.

[riffraff]

as someone who stopped consuming most alcohol a couple years back: pubs are tough, but depending on the one you choose you may get some non-alcoholic drinks which are ok :)