SAN ANTONIO — International Alliance for Responsible Drinking CEO Julian Braithwaite urged fans in San Antonio to moderate their alcohol consumption ahead of the San Antonio Spurs' scheduled game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Braithwaite pointed to a technique known as zebra striping, in which a person alternates an alcoholic beverage with a non-alcoholic beverage before returning to alcohol.

The recommendation came as moderation has, for the first time, surpassed taste as the top priority among drinkers. According to survey figures, 52% of Americans who drink pace themselves by drinking slowly, and 49% say they eat before or during drinking to avoid consuming too much.

Braithwaite described the role of alcohol in social occasions. "It's about staying in control. It's about alcohol and enjoying alcohol, being part of their lifestyle and part of the occasion, rather than defining it," he said.

He also pointed to changing social dynamics around drinking. "Peer pressure is much less of a factor than it used to be. And people are now thinking and wanting to make up their own mind about how they choose to drink. And that is perhaps a bit of a shift," Braithwaite said.

The zebra striping tactic is among the approaches recommended by experts for those seeking to reduce their intake during long social events such as sports games. Pacing strategies and eating before or during drinking are among the most commonly reported habits used by American drinkers who try to moderate their consumption.

The Spurs are scheduled to host the Oklahoma City Thunder, giving San Antonio fans an opportunity to put moderation strategies into practice during a high-attendance event. Braithwaite noted that the zebra striping method is designed to help drinkers remain in control without abstaining entirely, making it a practical option for fans attending games.