Alcohol consumption in the UK has fallen to its lowest level since records began in 1990, with the average adult now drinking 10.2 alcoholic drinks per week, according to data from research company IWSR. This marks a decline of more than a quarter from the peak of 14 drinks per week two decades ago.
The drop is attributed to an ageing population, increased health consciousness, and the rising cost of living. Marten Lodewijks, IWSR president, noted that older consumers physiologically cannot drink as much, and that people are cutting back on drinking out due to financial pressures.
Despite the overall decline, average consumption remains above the NHS recommended limit of 14 units of alcohol per week. Ten pints of low-strength beer equate to 20 units, while ten large glasses of wine total 30 units.
A survey by charity Drinkaware found that 73% of UK adult drinkers plan to moderate their drinking over Christmas, while 28% intend to drink more during the festive period but cut back in the new year. Karen Tyrell, chief executive of Drinkaware, encouraged people to understand their habits and stick to guidelines of no more than 14 units per week with some drink-free days.
