Alcohol consumption to rocket 140% today

More alcohol is expected to be sold in the UK tonight than at any other time of year as ‘Booze’s Black Friday’ party fever sets in.

As party goers celebrate the last Friday before Christmas, alcohol consumption is set to reach an annual high

Last year, the Friday before Christmas saw sales of alcohol in Britain’s pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels rise by 142%, without taking into account sales in the off-trade.

According to Public Health England (PHE) and Alcohol Concern data, Brits made 165 million trips to bars, pubs and clubs in December, spending £2.31 billion on alcohol in these outlets alone – with “far more” spent in shops.

Emergency services are therefore on high alert in anticipation of accidents and illness caused by excessive drinking.

Figures show that more than half of Brits drink alcohol over the Christmas period, even if they don’t want to. Meanwhile, one in four claim to feel guilty for drinking more and one in five say they are tired of drinking alcohol on Christmas Eve.

As such, PHE is encouraging drinkers to “take a break” and commit to Dry January.

“The festive period often sees people drinking much more than usual, which as well as being damaging to our health also sees the NHS and police dealing with more drinking-related accidents and emergencies,” said Dr Yvonne Doyle, London regional director of PHE

She continued: “As the festive season continues, we’re urging people to take a break and get their 2016 off to a positive start by signing up for Dry January.”