Alcohol consumption in Ireland falls by virtually 5% in a 12 months | EUROtoday

Alcohol consumption amongst adults in Ireland has fallen by virtually 5 per cent within the final 12 months, new figures present.

A report by economist Anthony Foley discovered that common alcohol consumption per grownup fell by 4.5 per cent final 12 months, to 9.49 litres of pure alcohol.

The information is in line with a downward development recorded during the last 25 years.

The fall represents a drop of greater than one-third (34.3 per cent) since 2001.

Total consumption in Ireland fell by 2.4 per cent final 12 months to 41.5 million litres, which equates to an total 4.5 per cent drop in alcohol consumption per individual when final 12 months’s 2.3 per cent improve within the inhabitants is taken under consideration.

The report signifies that consumption tastes are additionally evolving.

Beer was Ireland’s hottest alcohol final 12 months, with its market share growing by 0.4% to 43.3% regardless of an total drop in beer consumption.

Wine was the second-most well-liked drink, growing its market share by 0.1% to twenty-eight.2% in 2024. Its reputation has elevated considerably since 2000 (13.2%).

Meanwhile, spirits fell by 0.4% to 22.3% and cider fell by 0.1% to six.1%.

The report was commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (Digi), which stated the figures demonstrated that Irish individuals are more and more consuming alcohol sparsely.

It follows different latest information which means that alcohol consumption in Ireland is now at common European ranges.

OECD information for 2022 revealed that Irish consumption ranks behind international locations together with France, Spain and Austria, and a separate report by the Health Research Board final 12 months additionally indicated that Ireland’s alcohol consumption was at common ranges by EU or OECD requirements.

Donall O’Keefe, the secretary of Digi and chief government of the Licensed Vintners Association, stated the findings are reflective of a development during the last 25 years.

He has additionally known as on Government to chop excise charges.

“Today’s figures offer clear proof of what many of us already know – Irish people are increasingly drinking in a restrained manner, with consumption continuing the downward trajectory that has been recorded since the millennium,” he stated.

“In contrast to the negative stereotypes that once existed, alcohol consumption in Ireland is now at average European levels, with the purchase of non-alcoholic drinks continuing to increase.

“This downward trend also raises the obvious question as to why Ireland continues to have the second-highest excise rates on alcohol in Europe.

“Given that we now consume alcohol at average European levels it makes sense that we should pay excise at average European levels also.

“This is particularly true following the introduction of minimum unit pricing which prevents the sale of strong alcohol at low prices in supermarkets and shops.

“Across Ireland, hundreds of small rural pubs and restaurants are struggling for survival due to repeated increases in the cost of doing businesses, including staff, energy and insurance.

“A cut in excise would offer these businesses an opportunity to continue acting as vital hubs in their communities, as well as a crucial part of our tourism product.”

“Digi will be seeking a 10% cut in excise in this year’s budget as an urgent measure to give these businesses a fighting chance of survival.”

The Digi report was compiled by Prof Foley, affiliate professor emeritus at Dublin City University, utilizing information from the CSO inhabitants and migration estimates for April 2024 and the Revenue Commissioners’ alcohol clearances information.