Alcohol consumption in largest fall since 1948
By Stephen Robinson, 03 September 2010
Alcohol consumption in the UK fell by 6% in 2009, the sharpest decline since 1948.
Despite media attention on binge drinking alcohol consumption is down (Photograph: Istock)
Figures from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) showed an average of 8.4 litres of pure alcohol consumed per head last year, down from 8.9 litres.
Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the BBPA, said: ‘These figures will confound many pundits, as yet again they confirm that as a nation, we are not drinking more. Those who suggest otherwise need to focus on the hard facts.’
She added: ‘Policy makers should take note.’
Figures published last week by the North West Public Health Observatory show a 9.5% rise in the number of alcohol-related hospital admissions in the year ending March 2009.
On Thursday Scottish ministers announced plans for a 45p minimum price per unit of alcohol.
- Related Drug Categories
- Drug and alcohol dependency
- Related MIMS Tables
- Smoking Cessation Treatment Options
- Poisons Information
- Related MIMS Guidelines and Summaries
- Current Medical Standards of Fitness to Drive
- Smoking Cessation: Varenicline (NICE)
- Opioid Dependence: Methadone and Buprenorphine (NICE)
Additional Information

Latest jobs Jobs web feed
- Salaried GP The Practice plc £75-85k FTE +NHS pension, Ely or Leicester
- Regional Clinical Leads The Practice plc Salary £95-105k FTE + NHS pension, Leicester or Sheffield
- Salaried/Lead GPs Malling Health Competitive, role dependant, NHS Pension and defence fees reimbursed, Nationwide
- Newly qualified GP's dr-locums £70 an hour plus, Nationwide
- Full Time Partner (9 sessions) Charnwood Community Medical Group Equal share partner, Loughborough, LEICS
- Locum GP Meddoc Locums £600-£800 A day, London & Essex
Most read
- Health secretary says GPs have 'ethical duty' to save NHS costs
- GPs face 'outcomes targets overload', patient group warns
- LMCs Conference 2012 - Live Blog
- QOF errors trigger £1,000 top ups and clawbacks
- Women to be screened later for cervical cancer in Scotland and Wales
- LMCs conference 2012 - Full coverage
Most commented
MIMS Drug Search
Possible searches include drugs (by brand, generic ingredient or drug class), diseases and more.







