UK alcohol consumption per head down again - 3.3 per cent drop in 2012. 16 per cent decline in consumption per head since 2004. Per capita consumption below 8 litres per head, first time since 1998.

New figures for UK alcohol consumption in 2012 show that the amount Britons drink has fallen yet again - for the sixth year out of the past eight. Consumption per head is now 16 per cent lower than it was in 2004 when the current trend began, says the British Beer & Pub Association, which has compiled the new data based on HMRC alcohol tax returns.

2012 was the first year since 1998 that alcohol consumption has dropped below eight litres per head, per year (7.99 litres).

Brigid Simmonds, BBPA Chief Executive, comments:

"Total alcohol consumption is now 16 per cent lower per head than in 2004, when this trend began. While alcohol misuse remains a problem for a minority that we must all work to tackle, it is also important that the debate is fully informed by the latest facts on levels of consumption."