News

Scotland’s alcohol consumption continues to exceed safe levels

New data published today [24 June 2025] by Public Health Scotland (PHS) reveals people in Scotland are drinking 50% above safe limits, with more deprived communities hit hardest.

Despite recent improvements, Scotland continues to face a significant alcohol problem, with adults who drink alcohol consuming an average of 21.6 units per week. This is more than 50% above the Chief Medical Officers’ safe drinking guidelines of 14 for both men and women.

The Public Health Scotland Alcohol Consumption and Harms dashboard provides evidence on alcohol related harms and inequalities across multiple themes including consumption, hospital admissions and mortality. Today’s release provides 2023-24 data and includes a new dataset for population consumption based on alcohol sales between 2017-2024.

This latest update shows that while the volume of alcohol sold is decreasing, it remains higher than the amount sold per adult in England and Wales. 

More concerning are the stark inequalities revealed in the data. People living in Scotland’s most deprived areas are six times more likely to be hospitalised or die from causes wholly related to alcohol compared to those in the least deprived communities.

In response to the release, Alison Douglas, chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland said, “Despite a reduction in how much alcohol we’re drinking overall, it’s deeply concerning that a many people in Scotland continue to drink well above the low-risk guidelines, and more than those in England and Wales.

“While minimum unit pricing has helped lower consumption, alcohol-related deaths in 2023 hit a 15-year high underscoring the urgent need for bold action. As always, it’s people in our poorest communities who suffer the most, being six times more likely to die than those in our most affluent communities.

“The Scottish Government must prioritise earlier detection and treatment of liver disease alongside improved access to treatment, to help those already experiencing alcohol harm.

“A refreshed, robust alcohol strategy is vital. It must put prevention front and centre to reduce consumption and minimise the devastating consequences. Together with partners, we’ve outlined a clear roadmap for change, and over 70 co-signatories are calling on the government to lead the way.”

Dr Tara Shivaji, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at PHS, said: “Today’s updates add to the evidence base that as a population, Scotland is consuming too much alcohol. 

“If current drinking patterns continue, we project a 21% increase in alcohol-related disease burden by 2043 compared to 2019 levels. This means thousands more individuals and families facing the devastating impacts of alcohol related ill-health such as liver disease, heart disease, stroke and cancer.

“Every week, people across Scotland are drinking well above the recommended 14-unit limit, significantly increasing their risk of these serious health conditions.

“The newly released data provides compelling evidence that despite progress, Scotland’s relationship with alcohol remains deeply problematic and requires immediate attention.

“This isn’t inevitable,” Dr Shivaji emphasised. “With urgent, collective and evidence-based action to tackle harmful alcohol use, we can change Scotland’s path. We need to take steps to implement the preventative measures outlined in the Population Health Framework. This means addressing the availability, affordability, and attractiveness of alcohol, as well as providing early intervention and support for people experiencing problems. But that work must start now.”

Read the summary report and access the dashboard