Alcohol consumption falls again, dropping 4.5% last year

Industry demands a cut in excise rates to protect small pubs and restaurants

The Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) says Irish excise rates on alcohol are still the second-highest in Europe despite drink consumption here being on a par with our European neighbours. Picture: iStock

Alcohol consumption in Ireland fell sharply last year, dropping 4.5% according to a report from the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI), which is demanding cuts to excise rates.

The representative body said the data shows consumption of alcohol by Irish consumers was now on par with their European counterparts, but that excise rates remain the second-highest in Europe.