With Sober October around the corner, Forbes Advisor, the trusted source for financial guidance and reviews, has unveiled its latest research into the UK’s alcohol consumption habits. The inaugural British Booze Index offers a comprehensive look at the drinking patterns, preferences, and concerns of the UK population.
The findings highlight that, while many Brits view alcohol as an integral part of their lifestyle, there’s a growing awareness of its effects on health, finances, and the social pressures concerning both drinking and abstinence. A significant 43% of Brits have tried reducing their alcohol intake, driven by concerns about physical health (46%), the cost of living (44%), and mental well-being (20%).
Of the countries that make up the UK, Northern Irish drinkers consume more alcohol per week, on average, than their Welsh and English counterparts (10.6, 10.2 and 9.5 units respectively). Scots drink the lowest average weekly units, at 9.3.
On a city-level, Southampton (51%), Liverpool (49%), London (49%), and Belfast (49%) top the list for the highest proportions of residents having tried to reduce alcohol intake. On the other hand, Glasgow (33%), Sheffield (33%), Newcastle (37%) and Leeds (35%) lag behind, with only around a third of their inhabitants attempting to cut down on drinking.
Men (45%) are slightly more inclined than women (42%) to reduce their alcohol consumption, and it seems that they need to, as twice as many men drink alcohol five or more days a week as women (25% versus 12%).
Interestingly, those in the 18-34 year age group show the highest percentage (57%) of individuals trying to cut back on alcohol, followed by 42% of those aged 35-54, and 37% of those aged 55 and over. This could reflect a generational shift in attitudes towards drinking.
The British Booze Index also sheds light on the broader economic implications of alcohol consumption. The UK economy grapples with an estimated annual loss of £21 billion due to alcohol-related issues, encompassing factors like crime, lost productivity and increased healthcare costs.
“Our British Booze Index provides detailed insights into the UK’s relationship with alcohol. Drinking remains a staple of British culture, but our research suggests that there’s a growing trend towards moderation and awareness of the implications of excessive drinking. Whether it’s the financial burden or health concerns, Brits are becoming more conscious of their drinking habits. People are clearly aware of the link between alcohol consumption and their physical and mental health, and ongoing cost of living concerns have encouraged almost half of UK adults to actively cut down on their drinking to save money. The increase in alcohol duty in August may have sharpened the focus on how much it costs to be a regular drinker and provided added impetus to those who want to cut back or quit. Sober October is likely to maintain this momentum.”
Kevin Pratt, life insurance expert at Forbes Advisor
The full report, including regional and generational variations, can be found here: https://www.forbes.com/uk/advisor/life-insurance/british-booze-index/
