EUR: UK is Europe's biggest "binge drinker" - survey

By Keith Nuthall | 23 April 2010

Nearly a quarter of Britons could be classed as "binge drinkers"

Consumers in the UK drink more alcohol in one session than any of their counterparts in other EU countries, according to a new survey.

A European Commission survey of drinking habits showed that 6% of Britons who drink usually consume 10 or more units of alcohol in every drinking session.

That is a higher proportion than any other member state (for Denmark it is 5%; Malta, Belgium and Finland 4%).

Another 6% of drinking Britons consume between seven and nine drinks per session, more than any other European country except for Finland and Malta.

“Binge drinking is defined as having five drinks or more on at least one occasion,” says the report, which adds that this could make 24% of British consumers binge drinkers.

The report adds that overall alcohol consumption in the EU is at a similar level to four years ago.

For the full survey, click here.

Sectors: Beer & cider, Spirits, The off-trade, The on-trade, Wine