The British government is concerned about the insidious manner in which drink consumption is increasing: both the size of glasses and the alcohol content of the drink have increased in recent years.

When the first studies on drink consumption were conducted in the 1970s, it was assumed that a glass of table wine, a measure of spirits and a glass of beer was equivalent to one unit. The British ‘Office for National Statistics’ has since revised its method to take account of the use of larger glasses and higher alcoholic strength of alcoholic beverages. The alcoholic strength of wine has increased most particularly, from 11.5 to 13.5 percent alcohol by volume. This increase also concerns a number of beers. The average size of a wine glass in the pubs and bars is now 169 ml, compared with the earlier 125 ml.

With the new calculating unit the average consumption for women (in 2005) was set at 9.4 units per week, or an increase of 45% on the earlier 6.5 units per week. For men the new figure is 19.9 units per week, or an increase of 26% on the earlier 15.8 units per week.

As a result of these findings the British government is preparing an information campaign on the contents of a unit of alcohol. If account is not taken of the new data the drinker greatly underestimates the amount of alcohol he/she is consuming.

The new figures published by the ‘Office for National Statistics are as follows:

	Volume	Strength	Units
Normal beer/lager/cider
half pint	284ml	4,00%	1
large can/bottle	440ml	4,50%	2
Bière/bière lager/cidre fort	284ml	6,50%	2
Strong beer/lager/cider	440ml	6,50%	3
Table wine
small glass	125ml	12,50%	1,5
medium glass	175ml	12,50%	2
large glass	250ml	12,50%	3
bottle	750ml	12,50%	9
Spirits
Single shot	25ml	40,00%	1
Bottle	750ml	40,00%	30

For men it is recommended not to exceed 21 units per week per individual; the limit for women is 14 units.

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