People in Britain are drinking less alcohol than at any point since records began, according to new data. The average adult consumed 10.2 alcoholic drinks per week last year, the lowest figure since 1990 and a decline of more than a quarter from the peak of 14 drinks two decades ago, figures from research company IWSR show.
The fall in consumption has not been accompanied by a rise in total abstention, suggesting that more moderate drinking habits are driving the trend. Marten Lodewijks, president of IWSR, attributed the shift to an ageing population, growing health consciousness and the rising cost of living. “The population is ageing and older consumers physiologically can’t drink as much,” he said.
Despite the reduction, average alcohol intake remains above the NHS recommended limit of 14 units a week. Ten pints of low-strength beer would equal 20 units, while ten large glasses of wine add up to 30 units, according to the report.
Separate research from the charity Drinkaware indicates that many drinkers are planning to moderate their consumption during the festive period. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of UK adult drinkers say they intend to drink less over Christmas, while 28% expect to drink more but plan to cut back in the new year.
Karen Tyrell, chief executive of Drinkaware, welcomed the balanced approach, saying that simple steps can help people avoid excess. “Sticking to the chief medical officers’ guidelines of no more than 14 units a week including some drink-free days can make a big difference,” she said, pointing to the growing range of low- and no-alcohol alternatives as a useful option for swapping drinks.
