‘Zebra striping’: is this the best way to drink alcohol?

HALF MEASURES INDEED –

Nov. 27, 2024 – Lapping up booze nervously with my tongue, in case a crocodile jumps out and eats me. Oh, then no, this isn’t what zebra-striping is at all. But congratulations on remaining uneaten.Nearly a quarter of adults in Britain now ‘zebra stripe’ when they visit pubs and bars, alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. What is it, then? It’s the practice of alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks when you are out.

What’s the point of that? It reduces your alcohol intake by half, obviously. We are fast approaching the Christmas party season and, frankly, it seems rather sensible.

Frankly, it seems rather boring. Tell that to the 25% of people in Britain who apparently zebra stripe on a regular basis. Or the 78% of 18- to 24-year-olds in the UK who say they combine alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Seriously, 78%!? This is not British behaviour at all. No, you’re right. People should be more like you and get so spectacularly drunk at Christmas work functions that they annoy people, insult their superiors, then shuffle through the next year with their professional reputation in tatters.

That’s right. Weyyyy! Also, it is worth pointing out that zebra striping saves money. These days six pints won’t get you much change from £30, but trading half of them for a lime and soda will mean you’ll be able to buy food and pay your fuel bills.