Drinkers are having fewer alcoholic drinks but the amount of alcohol they are consuming is going up, research shows.
Market researchers Mintel found that the amount of pure alcohol consumed by British drinkers has increased by 10% since 2000, although the actual volume of alcohol consumed (in litres) during that period remained static.
Jonny Forsyth, senior drinks analyst at Mintel, said: "In the 1970s a bottle of wine may have been around 11% in ABV and now the same bottle is more likely to be around 13%. Equally, we have seen stronger lager become much more popular over the past couple of decades, with the growth of the 5% 'premium' lager sector. It may be that the majority of consumers are not aware of ABV and don't even notice."
The research also shows that the appeal of binge drinking amongst younger people is on the decrease. In the past five years, the number drinking at least two or three three times a week has decreased by 13% amongst 18-24 year old men and 26% amongst 18-24 year old women. In addition, there is evidence that binge drinking is becoming less socially acceptable amongst this group.