Formal season still brings polished shoes, nervous speeches and packed dance floors, but alcohol is becoming less central to the celebration. The Sydney City Liquor Accord has partnered with DrinkWise on a campaign encouraging young people to drink mindfully during formal season. Campaign messages will appear across more than 250 member venues, supported by targeted social media and a renewed focus on checking identification. The initiative is designed to keep celebrations safe, but it also reflects a broader change in how younger Australians socialise. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found that 41.8% of Australians aged 18 to 24 drank at risky levels in 2022–23. That remains higher than any other adult age group, but it is well below the 55.2% recorded in 2007. Prom Night Events has seen an even more striking shift. The company told the Daily Telegraph that more than 70% of guests returned positive breathalyser readings at its first tested formal in 2002. Today, fewer than 15% of attendees reportedly drink alcohol, while attempts to smuggle it into events have almost disappeared. That does not mean venues can relax their safety procedures. Formal-goers may still arrive after drinking elsewhere, and employees must be ready to check identification, refuse service appropriately and respond when a guest becomes unwell. However, there is also a commercial lesson in the changing behaviour. Sydney City Liquor Accord President and Fortune of War licensee Steven Speed put it simply: “The days of coming to a pub just to booze on are gone.” Younger customers are increasingly looking for food, music, entertainment, alcohol-free drinks and something worth sharing with their friends. A strong mocktail list is no longer a consolation prize for the designated driver. It can be a genuine part of the experience. Venues hosting formals and end-of-school celebrations should brief employees before guests arrive, confirm escalation procedures and make it easy to choose something appealing without alcohol. A memorable night does not need to be measured by how many drinks were served.
