Regular drinkers diminishing in numbers

The effects of the recession continue to adversely affect the drinks industry with the latest Periscope Survey from Bord Bia indicating that the number of people drinking alcohol on a daily basis or several times a week has fallen consistently to 28 per cent from a high of 42 per cent in 2005.

This compares with a figure of 32 per cent in 2009 and 40 per cent in 2007 in previous such surveys.
RoI now has the largest proportion of people consuming alcohol less than once a month (11 per cent) when set alongside NI and GB (six per cent each).

Bord Bia’s Periscope 6 Survey, just published, shows that this 11 per cent figure is up on that of 2009 (eight per cent), itself up on 2007’s figure of six per cent and 2005’s four per cent figure.

However at 42 per cent, the numbers of those who drink alcohol on a weekly basis has risen slightly, up from 2009’s figure of 41 per cent figure.

And the  percentage of people eating food with their alcohol has declined here since the last wave of research. Currently just 12 per cent have food with their alcohol over half the time. This compares with 16 per cent in 2009 and nine per cent in 2007.
The largest proportion, 48 per cent, consume food with alcohol for up to 25 per cent of occasions in an average month.

Nevertheless, the survey indicates that approximately seven in 10 adults here (and in the UK) consume alcohol nowadays and in each of the three regions, alcohol consumption is highest amongst 25 to 44 year-olds.

Where purchased?
Some 62 per cent of respondents agreed that they tend to purchase their alcohol requirements from specialist off-licences and supermarkets rather than pubs these days.
This compares to 60 per cent in 2009, 61 per cent in 2007, 60 per cent in 2005 and 54 per cent in 2003.

Alcohol when dining out?
When dining in a restaurant, 52 per cent will always have an alcoholic drink.
This compares with 54 per cent in 2009, 59 per cent in 2007, 62 per cent in 2005 and 66 per cent in 2003.

Drinking at home?
Interestingly, only 39 per cent agreed that they’re drinking more alcohol at home these days than before, similar to the response in 2009 but down from the 40 per cent figure in 2007 and 2005. In 2003 the figure was 34 per cent.

House recommendation?
When in a restaurant only 17 per cent now prefer the restaurant to recommend a wine rather than choosing it themselves. In 2009 the figure was 23 per cent, in 2007 it was 31 per cent and in 2005 it was 30 per cent. In 2003 it was 28 per cent.