BEATING THE BOOZE IN LOCKDOWN
Rise in visits to Irish alcohol awareness charity website
THERE has been a significant rise in those looking for practical ways to cut down or stop drinking altogether, a charity has said.
Drinkaware, which works to prevent and reduce alcohol misuse i n I r e l a n d , r e v e a l e d 1 4 , 2 4 7 individual orders were placed via its website for evidence- informed h e a l t h p r o mot i o n r e s o u r c e s compared to 4,342 in 2019.
Last year 552,194 people visited the charity’s website to find about the impact of alcohol and tips to cut out or cut down on booze.
In December, visitors spent the most time viewing tips- related pages including mental health , for an average 4.53 minutes and benefits of cutting down or cutting out alcohol for 2.22 minutes.
Drinkaware chief Sheena Horgan said website traffic for last month clearly shows people recognise the value of understanding their drinking habits and its impact.
She added: “The specific and growing interest in our tips – the measure cup and calculator – shows a shift in people’s awareness and genuine desire to cut down or cut out alcohol.”
MEASURES
The charity’s figures come as the l atest round of measures from the Public Health ( Alcohol) Act 2018 take effect.
From yesterday, booze sales are e x c l u d e d f r o m s u p e r marke t voucher schemes and multi- buy deals and loyalty points on alcohol sales are banned.
Drinkaware welcomes the new measures and also supports the previously introduced separation of alcohol products and advertising restriction measures.
Ms Horgan said: “The new PHAA measures have the potential to change alcohol purchasing and therefore consumption habits, reducing the temptation to bulk buy and make frequent purchases. “We know that at- home drinking during the pandemic, and in particular drinking to cope, has increased.
“But we can also s e e p e o p l e a r e acknowledging this a n d p r o a c t i v e l y looking to change t h e i r p o t e n t i a l l y harmful behaviour. “As the consistently most trusted source of alcohol information in Ireland cited by the public, Drinkaware will continue to be the champion for this positive trend, and will engage and support even more p e opl e i n 2 0 2 1 t o bring the Iri sh public along this journey towards a healthier society for all.”