Alcohol consumption slides again

5 March, 2013

Consumption of alcohol slipped by 3.3% in 2012. It is the sixth year of decline in the last eight years, over which time consumption has fallen by 16%. .

The latest data from the British Beer ad Pub Association, based on HMRC alcohol tax returns, measured alcohol consumption at 7.99 litres per capita. As well as a fall of 3.3% on 2011’s figure of 8.26 litres, it is the first time consumption has dipped below the eight litre mark since 1998.

The stats run counter to widespread concern about problem drinking in the UK. The number of deaths related to alcohol is also on a downward path. Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “While alcohol misuse remains a problem for a minority that we must all work to tackle, it is also important that the debate is fully informed by the latest facts on levels of consumption.”