Maintain pressure on reforms to protect NHSAlcohol consumption plummets
Alcohol consumption in the UK has seen its biggest decline in 60 years, according to new industry figures.
The British Beer and Pub Association said 2009 saw the sharpest year-on-year decline in alcohol consumption across the board since 1948. The figures are compiled primarily from HM Revenue and Customs data for the amount of alcohol sold by producers and importers into the UK market.
They follow recent data from the Office of National Statistics which found 39% of men and 31% of women exceed the daily guidelines on how much they should drink.
The BBPA, which represents the brewing and pub sector, said the data showed a 6% decline in total alcohol consumption in 2009, making it the fourth annual decline in five years. UK drinkers were now consuming 13% less alcohol than in 2004, with consumption remaining below the EU average.
UK taxes on beer remained among the highest compared with other countries and were the second highest duty rate in EU - 10 times higher than in Germany and seven times higher than in France, the organisation said.
Other statistics published in the BBPA Statistical Handbook 2010 show beer is by far the pubgoer’s favourite tipple, making up 60% of all alcohol sales in pubs, hotels, and restaurants.
Wine is in second place at 17%.
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Readers' comments (3)
mike | 3-Sep-2010 1:29 pm
I wouldn't say it has plumetted, it is still pretty high, and excess alchohol consumption is still a huge problem for the NHS.
But saying that, any decrease, no matter how little can only be a good thing. Maybe people are finally starting to wake up and take a bit of responsibility for their health? We can only hope.
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Anonymous | 3-Sep-2010 3:01 pm
Think I`ll have a drink to celebrate this great news.
Care to join me Mike? Might help you to lighten up a bit !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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mike | 4-Sep-2010 9:01 pm
Wouldn't care for the company anonymous. Thanks anyway.
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