Alcohol Consumption UK

In 2019, 48% of adults (aged 16+) reported drinking alcohol at least once a week.

• 55% of males reported drinking alcohol at least once a week compared to 41% of females.
• 8% of males reported drinking alcohol almost every day compared to 5% of females.
• Adults aged between 55 and 74 were the most likely to report drinking alcohol at least once a week whereas adults aged between 16 and 24 were the least likely (58% vs 30%).
• The proportion of adults who reported drinking alcohol at least once a week decreased from 52% in 2015.

Source: Health Survey for England 2019: Adults' heath-related behaviours (Table 9), Health Survey for England 2015: Adult alcohol consumption (Table 1). 

In 2020/21, 48% of adults (aged 16+) reported drinking alcohol at least once a week.

• 55% of males reported drinking alcohol at least once a week compared to 40% of females.
• 8% of males reported drinking alcohol almost every day compared to 4% of females.
• Adults aged between 45 and 64 were the most likely to report drinking alcohol at least once a week whereas adults aged between 16 and 44 were the least likely (55% vs 42%).
• The proportion of adults who reported drinking alcohol at least once a week remained stable from 2016/17.

Source: National Survey for Wales: Results viewer (Drinking frequency (incl. non-drinkers) 20-21), National Survey for Wales: Adult Lifestyles (Adult lifestyles additional variables, 2016-17 to 2019-20).

In 2019, 50% of adults (aged 16+) reported drinking alcohol at least once a week.

• 56% of males reported drinking alcohol at least once a week compared to 43% of females.
• 6% of males reported drinking alcohol almost every day compared to 3% of females.
• Adults aged between 55 and 64 were the most likely to report drinking alcohol at least once a week whereas adults aged between 16 and 24 were the least likely (59% vs 35%).
• The proportion of adults who reported drinking alcohol at least once a week declined from 54% in 2015.

Source: Scottish Health Survey 2019: 11. Alcohol (W601), Scottish Health Survey 2015: Part 11 - Alcohol (W751).

In 2020/21, 58% of adults (aged 18+) reported drinking alcohol at least once a week.

• 65% of males reported drinking at least once a week compared to 52% of females.
• 26% of males reported drinking alcohol on three or more days per week compared to 15% of women.
• Adults aged between 55 and 64 were the most likely to report drinking alcohol at least once a week whereas adults aged 75 and over were the least likely (67% vs 46%).
• The proportion of adults who reported drinking alcohol at least once a week increased from 51% in 2014/15.

Source: Health Survey Northern Ireland: Health Survey NI trend tables (Alcohol frequency of drinking)

In 2019, 20% of adults (aged 16+) were non-drinkers.

• 17% of males were non-drinkers compared to 22% of females.
• Adults aged between 16 and 24 were the most likely to be non-drinkers whereas adults aged between  55 and 74 were the least likely (26% vs 15%).
• The proportion of non-drinkers increased from 17% in 2015.

Source: Health Survey for England 2019: Adults' health-related behaviour (Table 9) , Health Survey for England 2015: Adult alcohol (Table 1). 

In 2019/20, 20% of adults (aged 16+) were non-drinkers.

• 17% of males were non-drinkers compared to 22% of females.
• Adults aged 65 and over were the most likely to be non-drinkers whereas adults aged between 45 and 64 were the least likely (26% vs 15%).
• The proportion of non-drinkers increased from 17% in 2016/17.

Source: National Survey for Wales: Adult lifestyles (additional variables)

In 2019, 17% of adults (aged 16+) were non-drinkers.

• 15% of males were non-drinkers compared to 18% of females.
• Adults aged 75 and over were the most likely to be non-drinkers whereas adults aged between 25 and 34 were the least likely (29% vs 12%).
• The proportion of non-drinkers increased from 16% in 2015.

Source: Scottish Health Survey dashboard

In 2020/21, 19% of adults (aged 18+) were non-drinkers.

• 17% of males were non-drinkers compared to 20% of females.
• Adults aged 75 and over were the most likely to be non-drinkers whereas adults aged between 25 and 44 were the least likely (36% vs 13%).
• The proportion of non-drinkers decreased from 22% in 2014/15.

Source: Health Survey Northern Ireland: Health Survey NI trend tables (Adult prevalence & limits)

In 2019, 57% of adults (aged 16+) reported drinking up to 14 units of alcohol per week and 23% reported drinking more than 14 units.

• 30% of males reported drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week compared to 15% of females.
• Adults aged between 55 and 64 were the most likely to drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week whereas adults aged between 16 and 24 were the least likely (31% vs 15%).
• The proportion of adults who reported drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week remained stable from 2015.

Source: Health Survey for England 2019: Adults' health-related behaviours (Table 10), Health Survey for England 2015: Adult alcohol consumption (Table 2).

In 2019/20, 60% of adults (aged 16+) reported drinking up to 14 units of alcohol per week and 19% reported drinking more than 14 units.

• 25% of males reported drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week compared to 14% of females.
• Adults aged between 45 and 64 were the most likely to drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week whereas adults aged between 16 and 44 were the least likely (24% vs 15%).
• The proportion of adults who reported drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week decreased from 20% in 2016/17.

Source: National Survey for Wales: Adult lifestyles 

In 2019, 60% of adults (aged 16+) reported drinking up to 14 units of alcohol per week and 24% reported drinking more than 14 units.

• 32% of males reported drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week compared to 16% of females.
• Adults aged between 55 and 64 were the most likely to drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week whereas adults aged 75 and over were the least likely (28% vs 14%).
• The proportion of adults who reported drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week decreased from 26% in 2015.

Source: Scottish Health Survey dashboard

In 2019/20, 57% of adults (aged 18+) reported drinking up to 14 units of alcohol per week and 17% reported drinking more than 14 units.

• 51% of males reported drinking up to 14 units of alcohol per week compared to 62% of females.
• 26% of males reported drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week compared to 9% of females.
• The proportion of adults who reported drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week decreased from 21% in 2015/16.

Source: Health Survey Northern Ireland: Health Survey NI trend tables (Alcohol prevalence & limits)

In 2019, 15% of adults (aged 16+) reported binge drinking in the previous week.

• 19% of males reported binge drinking in the previous week compared to 12% of females.
• Adults aged between 25 and 34 were the most likely to report binge drinking in the previous week whereas adults aged 75 and over were the least likely (22% vs 3%).
• The proportion of adults who reported binge drinking in the previous week remained stable from 2015.

Source: Health Survey for England 2019: Adults' health-related behaviours (Table 15), Health Survey for England 2015: Adult alcohol consumption (Table 8)

In 2019/20, 13% of adults (aged 16+) reported binge drinking in the previous week.

• In 2018/19, 18% of males reported binge drinking in the previous week compared to 11% of females.
• In 2018/19, adults aged between 16 and 64 were the most likely to report binge drinking in the previous week whereas adults aged 65 and over were the least likely (17% vs 6%).
• The proportion of adults who reported binge drinking in the previous week decreased from 16% in 2016/17.

Source: National Survey for Wales: Results viewer (Max daily alcohol consumption last week: binge - binary), National Survey for Wales: Adult Lifestyles (additional variables)

In 2019, 18% of adults (aged 16+) reported binge drinking in the previous week.

• 21% of males reported binge drinking in the previous week compared to 15% of females.
• Adults aged between 16 and 24 and 35 and 44 were the most likely to report binge drinking in the previous week whereas adults aged 75 and over were the least likely (22% vs 2%).
• The proportion of adults who reported binge drinking in the previous week decreased from 20% in 2015.

Source: Scottish Health Survey 2019: 11. Alcohol (W641), Scottish Health Survey 2015: Part 11 - Alcohol (W801) 

England

In 2021, 67% of adults (aged 18+) were categorised as low risk.

• 19% of adults were drinking at increased or high risk levels.
• 26% of males were drinking at increased or high risk levels compared to 12% of females.
• Adults aged between 45 and 64 were the most likely to be drinking above the low risk drinking guidelines whereas adults aged between 18 and 24 were the least likely (22% vs 12%).

Wales

In 2021, 72% of adults (aged 18+) were categorised as low risk.

• 16% of adults were drinking at increased or high risk levels.
• 23% of males were drinking at increased or high risk levels compared to 10% of females.
• Adults aged between 18 and 24 were the most likely to be drinking above the low risk drinking guidelines whereas adults aged 76 and over were the least likely (23% vs 7%).

Scotland

In 2021, 68% of adults (aged 18+) were categorised as low risk.

• 18% of adults were drinking at increased or high risk levels.
• 24% of males were drinking at increased or high risk levels compared to 12% of females.
• Adults aged between 18 and 24 were the most likely to be drinking above the low risk drinking guidelines whereas adults aged 76 and over were the least likely (22% vs 9%).

Northern Ireland

In 2021, 69% of adults (aged 18+) were categorised as low risk.

• 18% of adults were drinking at increased or high risk levels.
• 22% of males were drinking at increased or high risk levels compared to 14% of females.
• Adults aged between 55 and 64 were the most likely to be drinking above the low risk drinking guidelines whereas adults aged 76 and over were the least likely (23% vs 12%).

Source: The Drinkaware Monitor 2021

England

In 2021, 62% of adults (aged 18+) were categorised as low risk.

• 25% of adults were drinking at increased or high risk levels.
• 30% of males were drinking at increased or high risk levels compared to 19% of females.
• Adults aged between 18 and 24 were the most likely to be drinking at increased or high risk levels whereas adults aged 76 and over were the least likely (29% vs 10%).

Wales

In 2021, 64% of adults (aged 18+) were categorised as low risk.

• 25% of adults were drinking at increased or high risk levels.
• 31% of males were drinking at increased or high risk levels compared to 20% of females.
• Adults aged between 18 and 24 were the most likely to be drinking at increased or high risk levels whereas adults aged 76 and over were the least likely (44% vs 9%).

Scotland

In 2021, 62% of adults (aged 18+) were categorised as low risk.

• 23% of adults were drinking at increased or high risk levels.
• 26% of males were drinking at increased or high risk levels compared to 19% of females.
• Adults aged between 18 and 24 were the most likely to be drinking at increased or high risk levels whereas adults aged 76 and over were the least likely (36% vs 7%).

Northern Ireland

In 2021, 60% of adults (aged 18+) were categorised as low risk.

• 26% of adults were drinking at increased or high risk levels.
• 31% of males were drinking at increased or high risk levels compared to 22% of females.
• Adults aged between 18 and 24 were the most likely to be drinking at increased or high risk levels whereas adults aged 76 and over were the least likely (39% vs 13%).

Source: The Drinkaware Monitor 2021

England

In 2021, 62% of adults (aged 18+) were categorised as low risk.

• 37% of adults were drinking at increased or high risk levels.
• 45% of males were drinking at increased or high risk levels compared to 31% of females.
• Adults aged between 45 and 64 were the most likely to be drinking at increased or high risk levels whereas adults aged 76 and over were the least likely (41% vs 29%).

Wales

In 2021, 60% of adults (aged 18+) were categorised as low risk.

• 40% of adults were drinking at increased or high risk levels.
• 49% of males were drinking at increased or high risk levels compared to 32% of females.
• Adults aged between 18 and 24 were the most likely to be drinking at increased or high risk levels whereas adults aged 76 and over were the least likely (52% vs 20%).

Scotland

In 2021, 61% of adults (aged 18+) were categorised as low risk.

• 40% of adults were drinking at increased or high risk levels.
• 46% of males were drinking at increased or high risk levels compared to 33% of females.
• Adults aged between 18 and 24 were the most likely to be drinking at increased or high risk levels whereas adults aged 76 and over were the least likely (49% vs 25%).

Northern Ireland

In 2021, 59% of adults (aged 18+) were categorised as low risk.

• 41% of adults were drinking at increased or high risk levels.
• 47% of males were drinking at increased or high risk levels compared to 35% of females.
• Adults aged between 25 and 44 were the most likely to be drinking at increased or high risk levels whereas adults aged 76 and over were the least likely (47% vs 26%).

Source: The Drinkaware Monitor 2021

In 2018/19, the average spend on alcohol per person per week was £7.28 which is 13% higher than it was in 2015/16.

• Each person spent £3.80 on alcohol for the household each week compared to £3.48 for consumption outside the home.
• Alcohol purchased for consumption outside of the home increased by 7% from 2015/16.
• Alcohol purchased for the household increased by 19% from 2015/16.

Source: Family Food: CR - expenditure (England)

In 2018/19, the average spend on alcohol per person per week was £6.24 which is 10% higher than it was in 2015/16.

• Each person spent £3.70 on alcohol for the household each week compared to £2.54 for consumption outside the home.
• Alcohol purchased for consumption outside of the home increased by 4% from 2015/16.
• Alcohol purchased for the household increased by 15% from 2015/16.

Source: Family Food: CR - expenditure (Wales)

In 2018/19, the average spend on alcohol per person per week was £6.78 which is 2% higher than it was in 2015/16.

• Each person spent £4.06 on alcohol for the household each week compared to £2.72 for consumption outside the home.
• Alcohol purchased for consumption outside of the home increased by 2% from 2015/16.
• Alcohol purchased for the household increased by 2% from 2015/16.

Source: Family Food: CR - expenditure (Scotland) 

In 2018/19, the average spend on alcohol per person per week was £6.02 which is 20% lower than it was in 2016.

• Each person spent £3.30 on alcohol for the household each week compared to £2.73 for consumption outside the home.
• Alcohol purchased for consumption outside of the home decreased by 18% from 2015/16.
• Alcohol purchased for the household decreased by 21% from 2015/16.

Source: Family Food: CR - expenditure (Northern Ireland) 

In 2019/20, the average spend on alcohol per person per week was £7.43 which is 10% higher than it was in 2016/17.

• Each person spent £3.92 on alcohol for the household each week compared to £3.51 for consumption outside the home.
• Alcohol purchased for consumption outside of the home increased by 8% from 2016/17.
• Alcohol purchased for the household increased by 12% from 2016/17.

Source: Family Food: UK - expenditure

In 2021, most adults reported having an alcoholic drink at home in the previous week (80%).

• 36% of adults reported drinking at a pub, restaurant or bar in the previous week.
• 19% of adults reported drinking at a friend or family member’s house in the previous week.
• Adults aged between 18 and 24 were the most likely to have had an alcoholic drink in a pub, restaurant or bar in the previous week (53%).

Source: The Drinkaware Monitor 2021

In 2021, most adults reported having an alcoholic drink at home in the previous week (83%).

• 31% of adults reported drinking at a pub, restaurant or bar in the previous week.
• 17% of adults reported drinking at a friend or family member’s house in the previous week.
• Adults aged between 18 and 24 were the most likely to have had an alcoholic drink in a pub, restaurant or bar in the previous week (63%).

Source: The Drinkaware Monitor 2021

In 2021, most adults reported having an alcoholic drink at home in the previous week (84%).

• 29% of adults reported drinking at a pub, restaurant or bar in the previous week.
• 16% of adults reported drinking at a friend or family member’s house in the previous week.
• Adults aged between 18 and 24 were the most likely to have had an alcoholic drink in a pub, restaurant or bar in the previous week (52%).

Source: The Drinkaware Monitor 2021

In 2021, most adults reported having an alcoholic drink at home in the previous week (81%).

• 30% of adults reported drinking at a pub, restaurant or bar in the previous week.
• 16% of adults reported drinking at a friend or family member’s house in the previous week.
• Adults aged between 18 and 24 were the most likely to have had an alcoholic drink in a pub, restaurant or bar in the previous week (50%).

Source: The Drinkaware Monitor 2021

In 2021, 80% of adults reported having an alcoholic drink at home in the previous week.

• 35% of adults reported drinking in a pub, restaurant or bar in the previous week.
• 38% of males reported drinking in a pub, restaurant or bar compared to 32% of females in the previous week.
• Adults aged between 18 and 24 were the most likely to have had a drink of alcohol in a pub, restaurant or bar in the previous week (54%).

Source: The Drinkaware Monitor 2021

Home

In 2021, 34% of adults reported drinking wine at home.

• 37% of females reported drinking wine at home compared to 32% of males.
• 40% of males reported drinking beer at home compared to 17% of females.
• 30% of males reported drinking spirits at home compared to 26% of females.

Pub

In 2021, 18% of adults reported drinking beer at the pub.

• 26% of males reported drinking beer at the pub compared to 9% of females.
• 14% of males reported drinking spirits at the pub compared to 11% of females.
• 16% of males reported drinking wine at the pub compared to 11% of females.

Source: YouGov Plc: YouGov Profiles (Drinkaware Monitor - 2021). Sample size for Home (n = 1,339); Pub (n = 1,348).

Home

In 2021, 33% of adults reported drinking wine at home.

• 37% of females reported drinking wine at home compared to 30% of males.
• 39% of males reported drinking beer at home compared to 19% of females.
• 26% of males reported drinking spirits at home compared to 23% of females.

Pub

In 2021, 16% of adults reported drinking beer at the pub.

• 26% of males reported drinking beer at the pub compared to 8% of females.
• 14% of females reported drinking spirits at the pub compared to 9% of males.
• 16% of females reported drinking wine at the pub compared to 7% of males.

Source: YouGov Plc: YouGov Profiles (Drinkaware Monitor - 2021). Sample size for Home (n = 258); Pub (n = 277).

Home

In 2021, 35% of adults reported drinking wine at home.

• 38% of males reported drinking wine at home compared to 32% of females.
• 36% of males reported drinking spirits at home compared to 30% of females.
• 38% of males reported drinking beer at home compared to 17% of females.

Pub

In 2021, 12% of adults reported drinking beer at the pub.

• 17% of males reported drinking beer at the pub compared to 8% of females.
• 14% of females reported drinking spirits at the pub compared to 8% of males.
• 13% of females reported drinking wine at the pub compared to 10% of males.

Source: YouGov Plc: YouGov Profiles (Drinkaware Monitor - 2021). Sample size for Home (n = 297); Pub (n = 290).

Home

In 2021, 29% of adults reported drinking beer at home.

• 40% of males reported drinking beer at home compared to 9% of females.
• 30% of males reported drinking spirits at home compared to 26% of females.
• 37% of females reported drinking wine at home compared to 32% of males.

Pub

In 2021, 17% of adults reported drink beer at the pub.

• 25% of males reported drinking beer at the pub compared to 9% of females.
• 13% of males reported drinking spirits at the pub compared to 12% of females.
• 15% of females reported drinking wine at the pub compared to 11% of males.

Source: YouGov Plc: YouGov Profiles (Drinkaware Monitor - 2021). Sample size for Home (n = 1,894); Pub (n = 1,915).

In 2018/19, alcohol accounted for around 8% of all adult drinker’s total energy intake.

• Adult drinkers consumed around 20 grams of alcohol each day.
• Alcohol accounted for 7% of all female drinker's (aged 19-64) total energy intake and 8% of all male drinker's (aged 19-64) total energy intake.
• Both male and female drinkers aged 19-64 consumed around 21 grams of alcohol per day.

Source: National Diet and Nutrition Survey: results from years 9 to 11 (Table 4.1)