UK alcohol consumption is falling at the fastest rate for more than 60 years according to new official figures released today by the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA).
The amount we drink fell by over eight per cent to 3.81 litres per head in the first half of 2009 compared with 4.15 litres per head in the same period of 2008. The last time the nation’s alcohol consumption fell by more than this was during 1948 when it fell by 11 per cent over the course of the year. The numbers are from official HM Revenue & Customs data and have been compiled by the BBPA.
The amount we drink has now been on a strong downward trend for four and a half years, since a peak in 2004. On current trends, by the end of this year, the amount we drink could be down to the levels of ten years ago – 14 per cent down on 2004.
The numbers call into serious question alcohol policies designed to reduce drinking in the whole population, says the BBPA. Claims by some academics and medical lobby groups that a fall in total consumption would lead to significant social benefits, such as a fall in alcohol related hospital admissions, are not being borne out by the facts. . . . . . .
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