Brits drinking more in lockdown, survey finds

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More than a quarter of Brits are drinking more during the coronavirus pandemic, with an estimated 260,000 having their first drink before midday, new research reveals.

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The survey, conducted by Opinium for Direct Line Life Insurance, found 27% of adults have been downing more alcohol since March 23 – totalling more than 14 million people.

On average drinkers have increased their alcohol consumption by 12.6 units per week in the daytime and a further 14.6 units in the evenings.

The survey also suggests that 14 million are snacking routinely, while 10 million have increased the amount of unhealthy food they eat. More than four million are ordering more takeaways while they are shut out of pubs and restaurants.

Chloe Couper, business manager at Direct Line Life Insurance, said: “Lockdown has been extremely challenging for many people. With most facing radical changes to their work and home life.

“Although it can be easy to go to the kitchen and grab an unhealthy snack or pour an alcoholic drink, it is important to remember the importance of a balanced lifestyle.”

It came as an interim report for the Global Drug Survey found more than 50% of British drinkers reported an increase in the number of days consuming alcohol each week during the Covid-19 crisis, with a third reporting an increase in binge drinking.

In response, John Timothy, chief executive of the alcohol industry regulator Portman Group, said: “This is the latest study that shows that the vast majority of Brits – almost three quarters – are drinking the same or less under lockdown. We are mindful of the quarter that are drinking more. Who these people are and how much more they’re drinking is crucial. For example a small increase in quantity amongst those drinking within the low risk guidelines is of less concern than those people whose drinking risks becoming potentially hazardous. Anyone with concerns about their drinking, or the drinking of a family member or friends, should seek professional help and support.”