The main objective of this study was to gain insight into attitudes toward drinking, drinking patterns and the relationship between attitudes and drinking patterns in the population in the age range 55 to 69. Respondents over 55 years of age were compared to those below 55. The former ones were more likely to be abstainers and less tolerant toward others' drinking. Being tolerant toward others' drinking was negatively associated with abstaining from alcohol. Some differences were observed between being tolerant toward drinking patterns of men, women, or relatives, and own drinking behavior.