Young British women are biggest drinkers in Europe

Friday, 17 October 2003 12:00 AM

Young British women are the biggest drinkers in Europe according to a new study of drinking habits.

Britain is the only country where women between 18 and 24 years old average more than 200 litres of alcohol consumption per year. This is significantly higher than in France and Germany, almost twice the volume consumed in Holland, and more than three times the average in Italy.

Experts behind the study have also noted that quantity consumed appears set to rise, but reassured the public that this is not cause for alarm. While women are drinking more it appears their drinking habits are changing.

There has been a shift away from the 90's ladette culture of women downing large numbers of pints. Young women are now increasingly likely to have their alcohol with a meal, or to pay for expensive cocktails rather than lager.

This may also explain how the UK as a whole spends more on alcohol in pubs, restaurants and clubs than any other country in Europe.

Britain spends £32.8 billion a year on alcohol while socialising, compared to £21.6 billion in Germany.

Datamonitor, the firm that conducted the study, has also pointed out that while young women drink significantly more than older women, female consumption of alcohol is still well behind that of men.

Another study has today highlighted that, while people are well aware of the risks of drink driving, there are apparently big risks involved in drink walking.

The study by the Transport Research Laboratory has found that seven in ten pedestrian road deaths among 16 to 34 year olds had consumed alcohol.

The figures are particularly stark for young women, with almost a half of female pedestrian fatalities aged under thirty having consumed alcohol.

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