Alcohol consumption declined 6% in 2009 BBPA reports

Figures from the the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) indicate the sharpest year-on-year decline since 1948, with a fourth fall in the last five years. In its annual statistical handbook, the BBPA reports a 6% decline in total alcohol consumption in 2009 and a 13% reduction since 2004. The role of the recession, alcohol interventions or other factors is uncertain.

Speaking to the BBC, Dr Stuart Flanagan remarked that although the figures were encouraging, they had to be seen in context of a longer term rise.

"Although we've seen a decrease year on year in the last few years, we've reached our sort of peak of alcohol consumption in 2004, so these are really baby steps in terms of how much alcohol reduction we're seeing across the board."

The figures came the same week as updated alcohol-related hospital admissions figures showed a 65% rise over the recent 5 year period. See here for Local Alcohol Profiles for England (LAPE).

For further information on alcohol trends and analysis see the following:

• Joesph Roundtree Foundation report 'Drinking in the UK: an exploration of trends'.
• Institute of Alcohol Studies (IAS) 'Alcohol - Drinking in Great Britain'
• Mark Easton's report 'The myths of boozed up Britain'
• The Alcohol Health and Research Unit's 'Future Proof' 2009 report