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Irish Post
09-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Post
Drinking rates in Ireland drop nearly 5% in a year
IRELAND'S reputation as a nation of heavy drinkers may no longer hold water. A new report reveals that alcohol consumption rates have continued to decline, with a notable 4.5% drop in the past year alone. 'This downward trend raises a big question,' said a spokesperson from the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI), which released the report. 'Why does Ireland still have the second highest excise tax on alcohol in Europe?' The study, by economist Anthony Foley, is the latest sign of a major shift in how and how much Irish people drink. Compared to 25 years ago, the average person drank a lot more alcohol than they do today. The rate has fallen by over one-third to 9.49 litres of pure alcohol per person. Even with a 2.3% increase in the adult population, overall alcohol consumption dropped by 2.4% to 41.5 million litres, showing that per-person drinking levels are continuing to fall. Commissioned by DIGI, the report also highlights the changing tastes of Irish drinkers. Beer still tops the charts, making up 43.3% of alcohol sales, but wine is steadily gaining ground, now at 28.2%, more than double its 13.2% share in 2000. Meanwhile, spirits and cider have dipped slightly, now at 22.3% and 6.1%, respectively. These findings line up with broader research from the OECD and Ireland's Health Research Board, both of which show that Irish drinking habits are now roughly in line with the European average. In fact, countries like France, Spain and Austria currently consume more alcohol per capita than Ireland. Donall O'Keeffe, Secretary of DIGI and CEO of the Licensed Vintners Association, said the latest figures directly challenge long-standing stereotypes. 'Irish people are drinking more moderately. This is part of a trend that's been going on since the early 2000s,' he said. O'Keeffe also pointed to the rise of non-alcoholic beverages as further evidence of this cultural shift. With these changes in mind, he questioned whether Ireland's high excise duties are still appropriate. DIGI is now urging the government to cut alcohol excise duty by 10% in the next budget. O'Keeffe argued that such a move would provide much-needed relief to pubs, especially in rural areas, struggling with rising costs. Based on data from the Central Statistics Office and Revenue Commissioners, the report paints a detailed picture of an Ireland moving toward more moderate drinking. However, alcohol still poses serious public health risks. According to the World Health Organisation, alcohol contributes to 3 million deaths globally each year, almost 1 million of them in Europe. See More: Anthony Foley, DIGI, Donall O'Keefe, Drinking
Dublin Live
09-06-2025
- Business
- Dublin Live
Alcohol consumption by Irish adults drops
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The level of alcohol consumption by Irish adults has fallen by almost 5% in the last year. The latest data has been described as consistent with a downward trend recorded over the last 25 years. A new report by economist Anthony Foley found the average alcohol consumption per adult fell by 4.5% last year to 9.49 litres of pure alcohol. This is a drop of more than one-third (34.3%) since 2001. Total consumption in Ireland fell by 2.4% last year to 41.5 million litres, which equates to an overall 4.5% drop in alcohol intake per person when last year's 2.3% increase in the population is taken into account. The report indicates that consumption tastes are also evolving. Beer was Ireland's most popular alcohol last year, with its market share increasing by 0.4% to 43.3% despite an overall drop in beer consumption. Wine was the second-most popular drink, increasing its market share by 0.1% to 28.2% in 2024. Its popularity has increased significantly since 2000 (13.2%). Meanwhile, spirits fell by 0.4% to 22.3% and cider fell by 0.1% to 6.1%. The report was commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (Digi), which said the figures demonstrated that Irish people are increasingly drinking alcohol in moderation. It follows other recent data which suggests that alcohol consumption in Ireland is now at average European levels. OECD data for 2022 revealed that Irish consumption ranks behind countries including France, Spain and Austria, and a separate report by the Health Research Board last year also indicated that Ireland's alcohol consumption was at average levels by EU or OECD standards. Donall O'Keefe, the secretary of Digi and chief executive of the Licensed Vintners Association, said the findings are reflective of a trend over the last 25 years. He has also called on Government to cut excise rates. "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 said. "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, associate professor emeritus at Dublin City University, using data from the CSO population and migration estimates for April 2024 and the Revenue Commissioners' alcohol clearances data. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage .
The Journal
09-06-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Have you reduced your alcohol consumption in the past year?
THE LEVEL OF alcohol consumption by Irish adults has fallen by 4.5% in the last year, which is the continuation of a downward trend recorded over the last 25 years. A new report commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) and authored by economist Anthony Foley found the average alcohol consumption per adult fell to 9.49 litres of pure alcohol. This is a drop of more than one-third (34.3%) since 2001. So in today's poll we want to know, are you drinking less? Poll Results: Yes (622) No (357) I don't drink (122) Yes No I don't drink Vote
Extra.ie
09-06-2025
- Business
- Extra.ie
Booze intake of Irish population has plummeted since 2001
Ireland is losing its reputation as a boozy country as it has slipped down the rankings list, new data show. The amount we drink has fallen by more than a third since 2001, and by 4.5% last year alone, and has resulted in Ireland now ranking as average in EU terms, according to a report commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI). Irish consumption ranks behind France, Spain and Austria, amongst others, according to figires for 2022 from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Irish consumption ranks behind France, Spain and Austria, amongst others. Pic: Shutterstock Meanwhile, a separate report by the Health Research Board last year also indicated that our alcohol consumption was at average levels by EU or OECD standards. The international organisation provides a platform for 38 member countries to compare policy experiences, seek solutions to common problems, and coordinate domestic and international policies. Ireland is losing its reputation as a boozy country as it has slipped down the rankings list, new data show. Pic: Shutterstock The report, authored by economist Anthony Foley, Associate Professor Emeritus at Dublin City University shows that 'this downward trend raises the obvious question of why Ireland continues to have the second highest excise rates on alcohol in Europe'. Donall O'Keefe, secretary of DIGI and head of The Licensed Vintners Association, said: 'Given that we now consume alcohol at average European levels it makes sense that we should pay excise at average European levels also.'
Belfast Telegraph
09-06-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Alcohol consumption by Irish adults falls by almost 5% in a year
The latest data has been described as consistent with a downward trend recorded over the last 25 years. A new report by economist Anthony Foley found the average alcohol consumption per adult fell by 4.5% last year to 9.49 litres of pure alcohol. This is a drop of more than one-third (34.3%) since 2001. Total consumption in Ireland fell by 2.4% last year to 41.5 million litres, which equates to an overall 4.5% drop in alcohol intake per person when last year's 2.3% increase in the population is taken into account. The report indicates that consumption tastes are also evolving. Beer was the Ireland's most popular alcohol last year, with its market share increasing by 0.4% to 43.3% despite an overall drop in beer consumption. Wine was the second-most popular drink, increasing its market share by 0.1% to 28.2% in 2024. Its popularity has increased significantly since 2000 (13.2%). Meanwhile, spirits fell by 0.4% to 22.3% and cider fell by 0.1% to 6.1%. The report was commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (Digi), which said the figures demonstrated that Irish people are increasingly drinking alcohol in moderation. It follows other recent data which suggests that alcohol consumption in Ireland is now at average European levels. OECD data for 2022 revealed that Irish consumption ranks behind countries including France, Spain and Austria, and a separate report by the Health Research Board last year also indicated that Ireland's alcohol consumption was at average levels by EU or OECD standards. Donall O'Keefe, the secretary of Digi and chief executive of the Licensed Vintners Association, said the findings are reflective of a trend over the last 25 years. He has also called on Government to cut excise rates. '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 said. '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, associate professor emeritus at Dublin City University, using data from the CSO population and migration estimates for April 2024 and the Revenue Commissioners' alcohol clearances data.
