Bank holiday weekend puts Britain’s moderation habits to the test
New research from UK alcohol charity Drinkaware paints a nuanced picture of Britain's drinking habits, as data shows binge drinking is on the rise.
An estimated 42 million people – a record proportion of drinkers - are taking steps to moderate their alcohol consumption, but people are drinking more when they do drink, regular binge drinking is up, and the percentage of people drinking within the UK Chief Medical Officers’ low risk drinking guidelines has fallen for the first time since 2018.
The findings come from the charity’s 2026 Drinkaware Monitor, an annual comprehensive survey of the UK’s drinking habits and behaviours. The data suggests that while moderation has increasingly become part of everyday drinking culture, occasions such as Bank Holiday weekends, holidays, heatwaves and sports events can make it harder for people to maintain these habits.
With the August Bank Holiday approaching, Drinkaware is encouraging people to think about the situations that might affect how much they drink, and to plan ahead for the moments when they may be likely to drink more than usual.
View the full Drinkaware Monitor 2026 Trends report
Record numbers are choosing moderation
Drinkaware’s latest research suggests moderation has increasingly become part of UK drinking culture. A record 91% of drinkers - equivalent to around 42 million people - say they use at least one of the listed techniques to moderate their alcohol consumption, up from 87% in 2025.
The most common moderation strategy is taking drink-free days during the week (adopted by 71% of drinkers). Additionally, no- and low-alcohol options continue to grow in popularity with nearly half of drinkers (48%) consuming these products as a way to moderate their drinking, up from 44% in 2025.
Practical considerations are also shaping behaviour. Against a backdrop of continued cost of living pressures across the country, a third (34%) of those who moderate say they do so to save money, making it one of the most common motivations, second only to improving physical health (39%).
But heavier drinking is increasing
Despite this increased focus on moderation, the research reveals that heavier drinking and binge drinking are becoming more common. 13% of all drinkers, an estimated 6.3 million people, reported binge drinking at least once per week in the last 12 months, up from 11% in 2025.
Meanwhile, the proportion of drinkers who typically consume four units or less in a typical drinking day decreased from 71% to 67%, while the proportion who typically consume seven or more units increased from 14% to 17%.
The overall increase in consumption appears to be largely driven by older drinkers, who experienced the greatest growth in binge drinking rates. Among those aged 55 and over, the proportion who binge drink at least monthly rose from 20% to 24%.
The trend is also reflected in adherence to the UK Chief Medical Officers’ low risk drinking guidelines of 14 units a week. In 2026, 78% of drinkers reported staying within the guidelines in the seven days prior to completing the survey, down from 82% in 2025 – the first decline following steady improvement from 2018 to 2025.
Bank Holidays and other events may create high risk moments
The research suggests that while many drinkers report taking steps to moderate, certain occasions are commonly associated with drinking more and can make those habits harder to maintain.
Around two thirds of respondents completed the survey within a week of the May Bank Holiday, a period that coincided with unusually warm weather and increased alcohol sales. Those surveyed immediately after the Bank Holiday were more likely to report exceeding the Chief Medical Officers’ low risk drinking guidelines in the week leading up to the survey than those surveyed later. This pattern mirrors wider industry data showing that UK pubs sold 28.2 million pints across the Spring Bank Holidays, an increase of 11% compared with 2025.
Together, the findings point to a catalyst for higher consumption. Warm weather, extra leisure time, socialising and fewer next day responsibilities can all combine to encourage people to drink more than they typically would. Drinkers themselves identify several of these as occasions when they are most likely to consume more alcohol:
Just over half (56%) drink more when on an evening or night out with friends
One in two (51%) say they drink more while on holiday
A fifth (20%) drink more when the weather is nice
Nearly one in five (18%) drink more when they have no responsibilities the next day
One in eight (13%) drink more while attending or watching sporting events
With another Bank Holiday weekend on the horizon, Drinkaware is encouraging people to think ahead about the situations that may influence their drinking and consider how they can build moderation into those moments, whether through tracking their consumption, choosing alcohol-free alternatives or making use of tools such as Drinkaware's Drinking Check and MyDrinkaware app.
Karen Tyrell, CEO of Drinkaware, said:
“For several years, many of the trends in the nation’s drinking habits have been moving in a positive direction, giving us real cause for optimism. This year’s Monitor, however, could be an early indication that some hard-won gains may be eroding. While it will be important to see whether this pattern continues in future and marks the start of a longer-term trend, these findings are a timely reminder that recent progress cannot be taken for granted.
Prevention has never been more important, and we must remain focused on supporting people to find their balance with alcohol and reduce risky drinking behaviours. With the bank holiday around the corner, sunshine and extra free time are valuable opportunities to socialise and connect with friends and family, but they can also make it easier to drink more than usual. For anyone looking to better understand their drinking or make positive changes, Drinkaware’s free Drinking Check and practical online resources can provide personalised advice and simple ways to build moderation into everyday life and special occasions.”
Grahame Morris MP, Chair of the Drugs, Alcohol and Justice APPG, said:
"While it is positive that the overwhelming majority of UK drinkers are taking active steps to moderate their alcohol consumption, the increase in heavier drinking highlighted in this research should concern us all. Drinking above recommended levels can have serious consequences for physical and mental health, as well as for families and communities. These findings show that moderation is not simply about intention, it is also about having the right support to navigate the situations where people are most likely to drink more than planned. I welcome the work being done to help people understand their drinking habits and make informed choices. Supporting healthier relationships with alcohol will bring lasting benefits for individuals, families and communities across the UK.”
Paul Worthington, 64, is a semi-retired NHS Manager and policy researcher. Moderation is something he actively thinks about, but he has found that certain occasions can make it harder to stick to his intentions:
“Like many of my friends, I’m making a conscious effort to reduce my drinking. I’ve been relatively successful at this, but in many situations, it’s easier to drink more than I planned to. This is especially easy to do when I’m cooking at home, when I’m not measuring my drinks, and I’m enjoying the process. When out with old friends, or when playing with my band, I’ve also found myself drinking more than I usually would – especially when the weather is as gorgeous as it is currently! No-alcohol cider options have been a saviour for me. I’ll actively seek these out in social occasions, and they allow me to get the taste that I associate with these events whilst limiting my alcohol intake.”
Ross Bennett, 24, describes himself as a sociable, regular pub-goer. He says that holidays, celebrations, good weather and social events can all make drinking more appealing, particularly when there is a reason to celebrate:
“Like a lot of people, the cost and health impacts of drinking mean I’m making a bit of a conscious effort to moderate. I’d say I’m fairly successful at keeping a limit on how much I drink, but social situations can make it harder to stick to that. When you’re catching up with a friend you haven’t seen in ages, you have two pints and then think, ‘I could really do with another.’ The atmosphere and the fact that you want the night to keep going can make it difficult to stop where you planned to. I don’t think the pub is a negative thing - it’s a really good place for socialising. But in the UK, drinking is often such a traditional part of meeting friends that it can be harder to find alternatives.”