IRISH 15-YEAR-OLDS are drinking less than the average European of the same age, a mew study by the OECD found.
The continent-wide stats body found that the number of 15 year olds who have experienced drunkenness at least twice was 16% in Ireland compared to 24% across Europe.
The OECD also reporting that average consumption fell from 14 litres in 2000 to 11 litres in 2014, possibly a reflection of the economic crisis.
The report examined national data across 36 European countries.
Problem drinking
The lobby group Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland (ABFI) welcomed the findings and legislators to make sure they use evidence-based research when debating the Public Health Alcohol Bill.
ABFI director Ross MacMathúna said:
Alcohol consumption has declined by 25% over the last 15 years and pub sales have fallen by 35% over the last 10 years.
Currently, there are plans to introduce a minimum unit price (MUP) for alcohol under measures designed to reduce harmful drinking.
The plans could also see drinks producers being made to pay a “social responsibility levy”.
This charge would be designed to capture the extra profits alcohol producers started taking in when prices were increased through the floor price for all drinks.
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