A Montreal Survey Reveals Who Drinks More Alcohol: Francophones Or Anglophones

Do Montrealers drink alcohol differently based on whether they're francophones or anglophones? A recent survey by Éduc'alcool says yes.

It also answers what's likely to be the first question that comes to mind: which of the two groups drinks more?

According to Éduc'alcool's data for 2021, Montreal francophones drink more — but not by much.

Here are some of the poll's findings, based on the responses of those surveyed:

• Eighty-eight percent of francophones say they drank during the last year, compared to 79% of anglophones.
• Sixty-eight percent of francophones say they drink alcohol once a week or more, compared to 54% of anglophones.
• Anglophone drinkers say they have 1.7 drinks per week, but francophone drinkers have 2.5 drinks per week.
• Forty-six percent of francophones say they exceed recommended limits once a month or more while 39% of anglophones say the same.

When it comes to drinking and driving, 45% of francophone respondents believed they may be stopped by police at a roadside sobriety checkpoint, compared to 55% of anglophones.

Éduc'alcool says francophones in Montreal drink more than those elsewhere in Quebec but, overall, Montreal is pretty on par with the province's averages, particularly when it comes to drinks per month and per week.

The exception is when it comes to the negative impact of alcohol on Montrealers' lives. According to this survey, the percentage of Montreal drinkers who think alcohol negatively affects their social lives, family lives and physical health is higher than Quebec's average.

In total, Éduc'alcool surveyed 1,200 people (500 francophones and 400 anglophones) in the Montreal region, for a total of 7,600 respondents across Quebec.