Advertisement

Warm weather makes Brits drink more alcohol

Alcohol consumption soars with the mercury, as Brits admit their drinking habits increase over the summer months

This summer Brits will drink around 333 million more pints of beer and over 67 million more litres of wine than they consume in the winter. According to a study by Opinium Research, nearly a third of us admit to drinking more when the weather’s good.


[Related story: Why NOT to pee on a jelly fish sting and other summer myths]


Reasons given for increased drinking when it’s warmer included lighter evenings, wanting to make the most of the weather, and that more social events such as weddings and festivals occur during the summer. People are also more likely to meet up with friends and family during the summer holidays.

Analysis by Opinium estimates the extra alcohol we’ll be drinking will cost us a whopping £1,361 million. But it’s not all about getting drunk. Reassuringly the top two reasons Brits gave for drinking were enjoying the taste and to compliment food.

And if you don’t want to get drunk, then you really don’t want a hangover. It may be fun but daytime drinking and hot weather is a recipe for disaster, as you’re far more likely to get dehydrated. We’re not being a spoilsport, but try to remember to drink a non-alcoholic drink between each boozy beverage, slap on the sun cream and stick to the shade between 11am and 3pm.