Attitudes Towards Drinking Alcohol

Are attitudes towards drinking alcohol shifting in the UK?

For decades, social drinking has been a cornerstone of British culture. From pints down the local pub to celebratory prosecco at family gatherings, alcohol plays a central role in how many people across the UK connect, unwind, and socialise. But while the traditions remain strong are attitudes towards drinking shifting?

We asked YourSayPays to find out!

4 out 5 adults in the UK regularly consume alcohol

When we asked panellists a simple ‘Yes / No’ question, ‘do you consume alcohol?’, it’s clear that a significant proportion of the UK drinks alcohol, with 78% of respondents answering ‘Yes’ - although this is slightly lower than the latest official NHS England figure of 81%.

The proportion of men and women consuming alcohol highlighted in our survey (80% and 77% respectively) is similar to the NHS England data, showing a higher proportion of men consuming alcohol than women, but the gap between them is much closer.

Almost two thirds of respondent’s drink alcohol on a daily and weekly basis, with weekly drinking being the most common pattern.

Drinking at home is more popular than ever

Home is now the most popular place to have a drink for most UK adults, with 59% of respondents choosing this as their preferred location.

There are some variations when we split the data by age range, with 25-44 year olds much more likely to enjoy a drink at their local.

Interestingly, the younger age range (18-24), are more in line with the older age ranges (45+) when it comes to preferring a drink at home.

When we look at the themes of why people choose to drink at home, ‘cost’ is the overwhelming feature. With the squeeze on consumers’ finances, the perceived costs of drinking in pubs and city centre bars are pushing people to drink at home. Combined with the increasing availability of a wide range, and cheaper alcohol in supermarkets, it’s clear that more people are choosing to enjoy their favourite alcoholic beverage at home.

Younger people are drinking less alcohol

Perhaps the most striking finding from our research is that it highlights more and more young people (aged 18-24) are choosing an alcohol-free lifestyle. With only 64% of 18 to 24 -year-olds consuming alcohol in comparison to between 75% and 83% in older generations.

Driving the younger generation to abandon the traditional British view of drinking alcohol to unwind and relax, is an undeniable focus on health.

Many participants in our survey reported ‘health benefits’ as the main reason they don’t drink alcohol. Citing improvements in their physical health and mental wellbeing, such as reduced risk of alcohol related diseases, weight management, lack of sleep and generally felling healthier.

• "Improved sleep, weight management, better mood, and reduced risk of certain diseases like heart disease and cancer"

Many also simply do not like the feeling of being drunk and the associated hangover the following day.

• "Not feeling the effects of alcohol like being drunk and acting out or being hangover the next day"

Combining the heath benefits with the financial benefit of not spending money on alcohol, there is a growing trend of younger people who believe the positives outweigh the negatives of being alcohol free.

• "Better physical and mental health, slimmer waistline and fatter wallet!"

The benefits of being Alcohol-Free

While our research shows that drinking alcohol remains a way of life for the majority of UK adults, it does highlight an increased awareness of the benefits of being alcohol free, particularly with younger people.

The themes from our research suggest that for those people choosing alcohol-free living, it is not about what they're giving up, but about everything they're gaining - health, clarity, control, and financial freedom.

The health benefits of not drinking alcohol are well documented, with increased professional advice and awareness campaigns, there is the information available to help make informed decisions about alcohol consumption.

If you are looking to reduce the amount of alcohol your drink there is support available from charities such as Drinkaware, or if you are struggling with addiction, please seek professional advice.