Consumption per head is now 16% lower than it was in 2004 when the current trend began, claims the trade association, which has compiled the new data based on HMRC alcohol tax returns.
This is the sixth year out of the past eight that consumption has fallen and the first time since 1998 that per capita consumption has dropped below 8 litres per head,
Brigid Simmonds, BBPA chief executive, said: “Total alcohol consumption is now 16 per cent lower per head than in 2004, when this trend began. While alcohol misuse remains a problem for a minority that we must all work to tackle, it is also important that the debate is fully informed by the latest facts on levels of consumption.”
In the wake of the figures the Wine & Spirit Trade Association has called for the UK Government to drop its plans to introduce a minimum unit price for alcohol.