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Latest alcohol related research

Alcohol use is the ninth leading risk factor for both deaths and disability-adjusted life years globally and is the leading risk factor among those aged 25–49 years. Alcohol use is responsible for over 5% of all deaths annually and causes many conditions, such as alcohol dependence and alcohol-related liver disease, as well as common health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and cancer.

The HRB continually observes alcohol use and trends, as well as the consequences of our alcohol use by collating information on alcohol epidemiological indicators in our alcohol overviews.

For more information contact Anne Doyle adoyle@hrb.ie

Alcohol Publications
Alcohol overview - how much are we drinking? In 2023, on average, the adult population of Ireland drank 9.9 litres of pure alcohol. This corresponds to 37 bottles of vodka 04 104 bottles of wine or 400 pints of beer.

Alcohol use in Ireland

Ireland has had a high level of alcohol use and harmful drinking patterns have been the norm for many, but the situation is slowly changing.

See link below to key Irish (and international) alcohol-related legislation and other policy research

Alcohol legislation and policy research

Alcohol and the law

In 2018, the Public Health (Alcohol) Act was passed to address our alcohol use. The Act places Ireland at the forefront of countries observing the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) recommendations regarding best practices for reducing population-level alcohol use and related harms.

Since 2018, the majority of the components of the Act have been commenced including Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP), structural separation (alcohol separated from other products in mixed retail outlets), restrictions on alcohol advertising and sponsorship and sales, such as awarding of loyalty card points for alcohol purchases or providing alcohol with a service such as hairdresser, beauticians etc.

Latest research