The study, conducted by the National Research Group for the NGO GrowSpace Foundation, links the trend to widespread alcohol advertising and poor enforcement of sales restrictions.
Among respondents aged 18 to 29, more than 62 percent said they had their first drink before reaching adulthood.
By contrast, only 27.5 percent of those now aged 50–59, and just over 20 percent of those in their 60s and 70s, reported underage drinking.
The most common first drink was beer, followed by wine and strong spirits such as vodka or whisky. Most young people first tried alcohol with friends or at family gatherings.
Alarmingly, 14 percent of young adults said they drank for the first time at age 14 or younger, according to the study, which was presented on Monday in the southern city of Katowice.
Alcohol ads 'shaping drinking culture'
Alan Wysocki, the coordinator of the study, said the dominance of beer in Poland’s alcohol market plays a major role.
“Beer is the cheapest, the most accessible, and the easiest to buy despite legal restrictions," he said. "The system meant to prevent underage purchases is porous."
Wysocki also pointed to the powerful influence of advertising.
"Alcohol ads are the main force shaping drinking culture in Poland," he added. "There’s no counterweight – young people aren’t equipped with tools to resist marketing manipulation."
Currently, Poland bans advertising of alcohol, except beer. But even beer ads are regulated and must not target minors, associate drinking with success or sex appeal, or encourage excessive consumption.
Nevertheless, the report found that 61.8 percent of respondents support a total ban on alcohol advertising, including for beer.
A majority also want tighter regulation of alcohol-free drinks marketed under popular beer brands.
'Harmful habits'
Monika Rosa, a lawmaker and head of the parliamentary committee on children and youth, echoed those concerns.
"Zero-percent beer ads are just a loophole to promote alcohol brands; they help build harmful habits," she said at a press conference.
Rosa also called for action against aggressive online alcohol advertising, which she said often targets children.
Public attitudes may be shifting. Over 91 percent of respondents agreed that early drinking harms health, and 71 percent expect stronger political action to curb underage alcohol use.
'Zero Percent of Truth'
The GrowSpace Foundation, which advocates for greater alcohol regulation through its “Zero Percent of Truth” campaign, is pushing for a comprehensive ban on alcohol advertising—including zero-alcohol drinks marketed under alcoholic brands—and the elimination of alcohol promotion in retail spaces.
The group also recommends stricter enforcement of existing age restrictions and better teacher training on youth alcohol abuse, along with local prevention programs.
The five-year-old foundation focuses on promoting mental health in workplaces and educational settings, supporting the education system and educational innovation, and advancing human rights.
The survey was carried out on a representative sample of 1,001 respondents using self-reporting methods.
(rt/gs)
Source: PAP