Research shows majority of weekly drinkers now spend more on alcohol at home than in pubs and restaurants
- 45% of adults say they now spend more on alcohol for home consumption than in pubs and restaurants, with this figure peaking at 53% among weekly drinkers.
- 45% report they are now more likely to drink at home compared to the past year, up from 38% in 2023.
- 47% of those who drink more at home say they are interested in monitoring and adapting their relationship with alcohol, compared to 39% of all adult drinkers.
Drinkaware reports that 45% of adults are now more likely to drink at home compared to the past year, up from 38% in 2023.
New data shows that 45% of adults who drink are now spending more on alcohol for home consumption than in pubs and restaurants, with the trend peaking at 53% among weekly drinkers. 1
Dearbhla O’Brien, CEO of Drinkaware, said: “As the cost of living rises, consumer habits are changing and more of us are drinking at home than in pubs and restaurants, and this comes with additional challenges in moderating our drinking. When drinking at home, it becomes easier to over-pour and lose track of how much we’re drinking. At home, there’s less restraint, and people may not be as aware of the quantity of alcohol they’re consuming, leading to overconsumption.”
Drinkaware provides a free and easy-to-use drinks calculator , a helpful tool to monitor alcohol intake and estimate the time required for the body to process alcohol.
47% of those who drink more at home say they are interested in monitoring and adapting their relationship with alcohol, compared to 39% of all adult drinkers. To help people monitor their alcohol intake, Drinkaware is offering the following tips to help people when drinking alcohol at home:
- Measure, Don’t Guess – Use a measuring cup to pour your drinks to avoid over consumption.
- Understand what is a Standard Drink – A standard drink is a measure of alcohol which contains 10 grams of pure alcohol. Common examples include a half pint of 4.5% lager, 100ml glass of 12.5% wine and pub measure of 40% spirits.
- ‘Zebra Stripe’ or Alternate with Non-Alcoholic Drinks – The ‘Zebra Stripe’ method (alternating each alcoholic drink with a non-alcoholic one) helps you pace yourself and reduces the risk of overconsumption.
- Know Your Limits – Be aware of how much alcohol your body can tolerate and monitor how you’re feeling throughout the evening. In addition to moderation, Drinkaware is reminding people to be mindful of drink-driving risks this Bank Holiday weekend, particularly the morning after drinking.
O’Brien added: “Just because you’ve stayed in doesn’t mean you’re safe to drive the next morning. Alcohol can stay in your system longer than you might think. Drinkaware’s online drink-driving calculator can help you assess when it’s safe to drive after drinking.”
On average, it takes your body at least one hour to process a standard unit of alcohol. A standard drink is defined as containing 10 grams of pure alcohol, which is equivalent to half a pint of beer, a small glass of red or white wine, or a pub measure of spirits.
Drinkaware provides a free and easy-to-use drinks calculator , a helpful tool to monitor alcohol intake and estimate the time required for the body to process alcohol and has already had over 48,453 uses in 2025.
