Ireland turns back on stereotype as alcohol use drops & pubs ‘struggle for survival' amid new Budget excise cut call

The Irish Sun

10 hours ago

LAST orders are being called on the drunken Irish stereotype as alcohol consumption here drops to average European levels, experts say.
A new study shows that average
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Beer is Ireland's favourite drink, a new study claims
Credit: Getty
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Irish drinking habits are now the same as the European average
Credit: Getty
This is a drop of more than one third - 34.3 per cent - since 2001.
The Drinks Industry Group of Ireland last night told how the figures demonstrated that Irish people are increasingly drinking alcohol in moderation.
The report, authored by
And total consumption across the country fell by 2.4 per cent to 41.5million litres in 2024.
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Amid the major downward trend in booze consumption, the DIGI highlighted how alcohol consumption in Ireland is now at average
Foley said: 'Today's figures offer clear proof of what many of us already know – Irish people are increasingly drinking in a restrained manner, with consumption continuing the downward trajectory that has been recorded since the millennium.
'In contrast to the negative stereotypes that once existed, alcohol consumption in Ireland is now at average European levels, with the purchase of non-alcoholic drinks continuing to increase.'
But the DIGI highlighted how Ireland continues to have the second highest excise rates on alcohol in Europe.
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And calls are growing for an urgent cut in excise rates after alcohol consumption in Ireland fell again last year.
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Vowing that DIGI would call for a ten per cent cut in excise in Budget 2025, O'Keefe said: 'This downward trend also raises the obvious question as to why Ireland continues to have the second highest excise rates on alcohol in Europe.
'Given that we now consume alcohol at average European levels it makes sense that we should pay excise at average European levels also.
'This is particularly true following the introduction of minimum unit pricing which prevents the sale of strong alcohol at low prices in
Today's figures offer clear proof of what many of us already know – Irish people are increasingly drinking in a restrained manner".
Economist Anthony Foley
'Across Ireland, hundreds of small rural
'A cut in excise would offer these businesses an opportunity to continue acting as vital hubs in their communities, as well as a crucial part of our
'DIGI will be seeking a 10 per cent cut in excise in this year's Budget as an urgent measure to give these businesses a fighting chance of survival.'
The report found that beer was the country's most popular
Spirits were the nation's third favourite tipple at 22.3 per cent and cider, at 6.1 per cent, was the fourth favourite.
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Irish boozing habits are down by 4.5 per cent
Credit: Getty