Poll: 76% of Brits are ‘low risk’ drinkers

New research shows that more than three quarters (76%) of the British adult population are drinking alcohol either at, or below, “low risk” levels.

New data shows more than three quarters of British adults are drinking within recommended guidelines

The Portman Group commissioned YouGov to survey adults over 18 years old in Great Britain over their weekly alcohol intake. A total of 2,004 adults were questioned online from 19-20 December 2018.

The results showed that more than three quarters (76%) of those questioned either don’t drink or drink within the current chief medical officer’s (CMO) drinking guidelines of up to 14 units per week.

Divided by gender, this equates to 85% of women and 67% of men abstaining from alcohol or drinking within these guidelines.

Adults aged 33-44 are spearheading the trend for ‘low risk’ drinking, with 83% either abstaining or drinking within the guidelines.

Among 18-34-year-olds, this figure is 79%. Among those aged 45-54 the figure drops slightly to 73%, and is the same (73%) for those aged 55 and above.

The data also showed that 3% of the population are drinking more than 35 units of alcohol in an average week. High risk drinking levels are outlined as more than 35 units for women and more than 50 units for men per week.

John Timothy, chief executive of the Portman Group, said: “The figures mirror what the official statistics have been showing for a while, telling a positive story about responsible drinking amongst the vast majority of adults.

“While this doesn’t distract from the need for measured and targeted interventions to reduce harm amongst a persistent minority we must also celebrate the very real progress that has been made in supporting people to drink responsible and in moderation.”

Earlier this month, a first-of-its-kind survey commissioned by the Portman Group found 24% of British drinkers have embraced low-alcohol alternatives.