The increase in strength of drinks and rise in home consumption have led to drinkers inadvertently drinking more units, research from industry market research specialists Mintel has revealed.
The report highlights that drinkers in the UK now consume 10% more by alcoholic strength than in 2000 as stronger world wines have significantly increased in popularity. Additionally the public smoking ban, tougher action against drink-drivers and the availability of cheaper alcohol in supermarkets has increased the appeal of home drinking as a 'way to relax'.
The research highlights particular concerns about middle-age and middle/higher social class drinkers as the appeal of binge drinking among younger people is falling. Findings from the report show that 55% of middle-aged drinkers consume alcohol more than twice a week, as opposed to 42% of teenagers and young adults. 63% of the professional 'AB' social class groups drink more than twice a week, compared with fewer than 50 per cent of other social class groups.
The senior drink analyst for Mintel, Jonny Forsyth, said:
“The over-45s are drinking more regularly but not thinking they’re in danger...They are drinking four, five, six days a week and it all adds up even though young people binge-drink more."
But the report also highlighted that 42% of survey participants believe binge drinking is part of Britain's culture, while 24% believe there is nothing wrong with drinking to excess.
See reports on the findings from the BBC, Guardian and the Telegraph.
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