Irish top European table for alcohol spending

"A survey shows we [Irish] spend more money on alcohol [1,675 euros per household per year] than any other EU country and we also top the league of shame in binge drinking among young people. The figures are based on the proportion of income spent on drink," the national daily reports. The British-based Institute for Alcohol Studies (IAS), which conducted the study on behalf of the European Commission, found that 32% of 15 and 16-year-old Irish binge drink "at least three times a month on a minimum of five litres of beer, or a bottle of wine or five shots of spirits. The study shows the Irish have not changed the pub culture for the continental one of drinking at meal times. Just 3% said they only drink when eating, the smallest proportion in Europe compared to 50% of Italians."

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