Operators are braced for one of the biggest nights of the year, dubbed “the black Friday of booze”, with sales of alcohol in pubs, bars and restaurants forecast to rise by over 100% compared to an average Friday.
Figures released by Public Health England (PHE) show that £3.7bn was spent on alcohol in England last December, with total sales of alcohol rising by more than a quarter, from November to December. Last year, Friday 20 December 2013 saw sales of alcohol in pubs, bars and restaurants rise by 114% compared to an average Friday.
Sales of sparkling wine and liqueurs jumped by 88% and 54% respectively.
Jackie Ballard, chief executive of Alcohol Concern, said: “In the run up to Christmas many people start drinking more than usual as they celebrate the festive season with parties and get-togethers.
“This is the perfect time to sign up to a holiday from alcohol. Dry January is not about never drinking again. It’s just an opportunity for people to reflect on their drinking patterns and to give their body a break from alcohol after the festive period. We know from previous years that people who do Dry January will feel better, lose weight and save money.
The new data is supported by a number of people who have been keeping a record of their drinking for the past month, with many noting that their alcohol consumption in December had increased considerably from the previous month.
Charlotte Gowing, aged 38 from London, said: “I don’t really see myself as a big drinker but I was quite shocked to see just how much more I drink in the run up to Christmas. Drinks on nights out with work and friends, as well as a few when I’m at home, all start to add up. I am definitely going to give my body a bit of TLC after New Year’s Eve and Dry January will be a good place to start.”
