Alcohol consumption in Britain falls to lowest level in 35 years

Alcohol consumption among adults in Britain has fallen to its lowest level since records began in 1990, according to new data from drinks research group IWSR.

The average UK adult consumed 10.2 alcoholic drinks a week last year, the lowest figure recorded in 35 years. That compared with a peak of about 14 drinks a week around 20 years ago, marking a sustained decline in overall consumption rather than a sudden drop. 

The trend appears to be driven mainly by moderation, rather than a large increase in people giving up alcohol altogether. IWSR attributed the fall to a combination of rising living costs, growing health awareness, demographic change and shifts in consumer behaviour.

Marten Lodewijks, president of IWSR, said: “The population is ageing and older consumers physiologically can’t drink as much. There are also elements of health consciousness, and with the cost of living rising, people simply can’t afford to drink out as much.”

The research also pointed to “premiumisation” – a move towards fewer but more expensive drinks – as a factor helping parts of the alcohol industry to sustain revenues despite falling volumes.

However, separate research suggests that heavy drinking remains common on certain occasions. A recent survey by the charity Drinkaware found that 57% of UK adults were expected to binge drink on Christmas Day.

The proportion was higher among younger adults, rising to around three quarters of those aged 18 to 34, the charity said.