KEY POINTS:
Despite rising petrol prices, food costs and an international credit crisis, New Zealanders can still afford to drink.
A Nielsen liquor analysis revealed 47 per cent of New Zealanders were not influenced by the current state of the economy when buying alcohol.
In Australia, 44 per cent were not affected.
Nielsen executive director of the liquor services group Michael Walton said: "This latest consumer finding reveals that while some are finding some pain in their hip pocket, most are holding on to some affordable luxuries."
Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand chief executive Gerard Vaughan said steady alcohol consumption could be pinned to its cheap cost.
"Alcohol is so cheap these days that individual alcohol purchase decisions may not be affected by a tighter budget.
"We have seen huge increases in basic household products such as milk and cheese but not with alcohol."
Hospitality Association of New Zealand chief executive Bruce Robertson said he had not noticed any trends in consumer spending.
"A lot of New Zealander's are still in a good [financial] position in terms of being employed. So why shouldn't they spend their money on a few drinks, as long as it is in moderation?"
The survey revealed 45 to 55 per cent off all age groups were going out less often for their drinks.
"In tougher times New Zealanders are looking to cut back on going out, most particularly the nightclub and bar scene," said Mr Walton.
