Consumption per head fell to its lowest point in almost two decades, to 7.7 litres. It was the seventh year in the past nine to see a fall - with an 18% decline since 2004.
The last time per head consumption was lower was in 1995, when it stood at 7.5 litres.
Brigid Simmonds, BBPA chief executive, said: “We have now experienced a decade of falling alcohol consumption. While total consumption per head is not synonymous with alcohol-related harm, these are interesting figures, as the percentage of those drinking at harmful levels has also been falling, as have the number of under-18s drinking.
“The industry will continue to work to tackle alcohol misuse, but there are several encouraging trends, and accurate and up-to-date figures are important for the debate around alcohol.”