Binge-drinking on the wane in UK

The number of Britons drinking excessively has dropped significantly since 2005, particularly among younger age groups.

Per capita alcohol consumption in the UK has fallen by 16% since 2004 to fewer than eight litres

According to the latest ONS General Lifestyle survey, binge drinking in the UK is on the wane, with the most notable decreases in the 16 to 24 age bracket.

The report published today shows that the proportion of men in the 16 to 24 age group who drink more than 4 units on their heaviest drinking day fell from 46% in 2005 to 32% in 2011, while the proportion drinking more than 8 units decreased from 32% to 22% over the same period.

Similar significant declines were recorded among women, with the proportion drinking more than 3 units on their heaviest drinking day falling from 41% in 2005 to 31% in 2011, and the proportion drinking more than 6 units dropping from 27% to 18%.

“This latest report from the ONS shows that significant progress is being made in tackling binge and harmful drinking in the UK,” said WSTA chief executive, Miles Beale.

“It follows reports earlier this week that overall alcohol consumption in the UK is on a sustained downward trend – down 16% since 2004,” he added.

As a result of such reductions, he stressed the need for the UK Government to reconsider plans to introduce a minimum unit price for alcohol.

Other significant changes recording in the ONS survey include:

– The proportion of men exceeding four units on their heaviest drinking day is down from 41% in 2005 to 34% in 2011.

–  The proportion of women exceeding three units was down from 34% in 2005 to 28% in 2011.

–  The proportion of men drinking more than 8 units on their heaviest drinking day fell from 23% in 2005 to 18% in 2011.

–  The proportion of women drinking more than 6 units in their heaviest drinking day fell from 15% in 2005 to 12% in 2011.