UK alcohol consumption falls for fourth consecutive year

By Adam Leveridge

The amount of alcohol consumed by UK drinkers has fallen at the sharpest rate since 1948, according to a leading organisation representing the UK brewing and pub sector.

According to newly released figures from the British Pub and Beer Association (BBPA), UK drinkers are continuing to reduce the amount of alcohol they consume for the fourth year in succession.

In 2009, there was a six per cent drop in alcohol consumption nationwide; the largest decline in over 60 years.

This translates to a 13 per cent decline compared with 2004 levels and the publication of these statistics coincides with the release a report from the Alcohol Commission, which has urged the government to impose a UK-wide minimum price for alcohol.

BBPA chief executive, Brigid Simmonds, thinks these figures will stun many industry experts, urging the government to “take note”.

“These figures will confound many pundits, as yet again they confirm that as a nation, we are not drinking more,” said Simmonds.

“Those who suggest otherwise need to focus on the hard facts.

“This handbook also reminds us of just how vital a role beer and pubs play in the UK economy, in terms of turnover, jobs, and tax revenues.

“The new numbers show just how closely linked beer is to Britain’s struggling pubs, with beer accounting for around 60 per cent of on-trade sales. Policy-makers should take note.”

UK taxes on alcohol remain among the highest in the world, but the total annual beer spend still lies at £17billion, with beer contributing £14.6billion to British tax revenues.