More alcohol consumed at home as lockdown changed drinking habits

STRICT LOCKDOWN restrictions imposed during the pandemic have changed people’s drinking habits and prompted many to consume alcohol at home more regularly, new research suggests.

A study which analysed the behaviour of almost 300,000 adults in England and Scotland found consumption of shop-bought alcohol increased in March 2020, and remained higher than previous years throughout the rest of 2020, even when restrictions were relaxed.

Consumption in pubs, bars and other hospitality venues plummeted in March and remained lower than previous years throughout the remainder of 2020.

The researchers, from University of Sheffield and University of Glasgow, said there was no significant variation in the amount of alcohol consumed over the course of the year but habits changed, as more people began to drink at home, later in the day.

Researchers identified a rise in solitary drinking in Scotland, but said this may be because there are more people living alone in the country.

Dr Iain Hardie, lead author of the study from the University of

Glasgow, said: “Going forward it remains unclear what the longterm consequences will be of the changes in alcohol consumption in 2020.

“With hospitality premises back operating at closer to full capacity it’s likely that alcohol consumption in these venues will move closer to pre-pandemic levels, although they could potentially decline again in response to new variants if restrictions are reintroduced or people are afraid of indoor spaces.

“However, the increase in home drinking in 2020 is a concern.”