The Royal Navy has instructed sailors to abstain from alcohol for at least two days a week as part of a new health initiative aimed at meeting government targets. Based on advice from military doctors, crews will be limited to 14 units of alcohol per week, roughly equivalent to six pints of beer, and ships will enforce designated dry days.
Official documents titled 'Alcohol Policy Onboard Ships', obtained by the Daily Mail, reveal that alcohol consumption remains a 'significant concern' for service chiefs. The report states that 48 per cent of Navy crew are believed to drink excessively, a decrease from 55 per cent in 2023, but still highlighting the need for stricter policies to safeguard personnel and enhance operational performance.
Under the new rules, sailors will be restricted to no more than three units per day and must fill in a form at the bar listing their drinks. Ships' bars have been encouraged to stock non-alcoholic beers to promote healthier choices. This replaces the previous 'two-can rule' observed across the British Army.
Retired Rear Admiral Chris Parry expressed concerns that the rules could affect morale, stating he had never encountered issues with sailors drinking during his career. 'You have to trust your sailors and your leaders aboard ships to set the rules,' he said. 'You can screw down a system too much. Sailors take great risks and make big sacrifices.'
The Royal Navy has a long history with alcohol, dating back to when beer was safer than water. Rum became the drink of choice after the capture of Jamaica in 1655, and the daily 'tot' ration was only ended on 31 July 1970 over concerns it hindered operation of complex weapons systems.
A Navy spokesperson told the Mail: 'The updated policy aligns with advice, ensuring our people remain fit for naval operations. It also prioritises the health of our people and ensures they are ready to respond to the dynamic demands of naval operations.'
