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Scots' alcohol consumption down, but still ahead of rest of UK - report

Published:  16 June, 2015

Per capita alcohol consumption in Scotland is in decline - but still far exceeds levels in other parts of the UK, a new report shows.

The report, produced jointly by leading drinks trade associations, suggest per capita alcohol consumption in over-16s peaked in 2007 but had fallen by 10% by 2013.

But in the same year, per capita consumption was still 17% higher in Scotland than in England and Wales.

The frequency of alcohol consumption by Scots also fell and the proportion of those exceeding recommended weekly guidelines for drinking has declined "significantly" since 2005, with the largest decreases in under-24s.

Binge drinking among 16-24s has declined by 15% between 2003 and 2013, and the only increase was in age groups between 55 and 74.

The proportion of 13-years-olds who have ever tried alcohol has fallen from 64% to 32% since 2000. For 15-year-olds the figure dropped from 87% to 69%.

Only 2% of 13-year-olds claimed to drink once a week or more often, a drop from 13% in 2000.

There were also falls in adult alcohol-related deaths, liver disease and hospital admissions.

Scotland's ruling SNP has taken a hard line in an attempt to tackle the nation's alcohol issues, including a ban on multibuys and a lengthy bid to bring in minimum unit pricing.

The report has been produced by the Scotch Whisky Association, the British Beer & Pub Association, the National Association of Cider Makers, the Wine & Spirit Trade Association and the Portman Group, collating data on alcohol, health, crime and under-age issues from government sources.

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