The Royal Navy has introduced strict new limits on alcohol consumption for sailors, including a weekly cap of 14 units and at least two alcohol-free days per ship. The measures, outlined in internal documents, are designed to align military practice with government health guidance and reduce excessive drinking among personnel.
Officials said the level of alcohol consumption aboard ships remains a significant concern, with 48 per cent of crew believed to drink to excess – down from 55 per cent in 2023. Under the new rules, sailors will be limited to three units a day and will be required to log their drinks on a form at the bar. Ships are also being encouraged to stock non-alcoholic beers to promote healthier choices, replacing the previous 'two-can rule' used across the Army.
The changes have prompted fears among some sailors that the Navy could eventually follow the United States in banning alcohol from ships entirely. Retired Rear Admiral Chris Parry questioned the need for tighter restrictions, saying he had never encountered problems with sailors drinking during his career. “You have to trust your sailors and your leaders aboard ships to set the rules. You can screw down a system too much,” he said. “Sailors take great risks and make big sacrifices.”
The Royal Navy has a long association with alcohol, dating back to when beer was safer than water. After the capture of Jamaica in 1655, rum became the preferred drink due to its durability, and a daily half-pint ration – known as the tot – was issued for centuries, partly to ward off scurvy. The practice was finally abolished on 31 July 1970, a date still commemorated as Black Tot Day, over concerns that it impaired sailors' ability to operate complex weapons systems.
A Navy spokesperson said the updated policy “aligns with advice, ensuring our people remain fit for naval operations” and “prioritises the health of our people and ensures they are ready to respond to the dynamic demands of naval operations”. The new measures take immediate effect across the fleet.
