Brits drinking less but spirits stay steady
Overall alcohol consumption in the UK continued to decline in 2014 reaching the lowest levels since 1998, but spirits proved robust maintaining 21% of the market despite the drop.
Health experts have called for a reduction in the number of licensed premises in ScotlandFigures released today revealed that the amount of alcohol consumed by Britons fell 0.3% last year, marking the eighth year out of 10 that consumption levels have slumped.
The statistics were collated by the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) based on HMRC alcohol tax returns and showed alcohol consumption per head is now 18.4% lower than in 2004.
Beer remained the most popular tipple rising 1% to represent 36% of the market, while wine dipped to below 33%.
However, spirits displayed a steady performance retaining 21% of the market, with cider at 8%.
“The figures certainly bury the myth that overall UK alcohol consumption is inexorably rising,” commented Brigid Simmonds, BBPA chief executive.
“There is no doubt that two cuts in beer duty have had a huge impact in supporting a British-based industry and in encouraging consumers back towards our favourite, lower-strength drink.”
Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne is set to announce the 2015 Budget next week, which spirits bodies such as the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) and the Wine and Spirits Trade Association (WSTA) hope will include a 2% tax cut for spirits.
