UK adults are twice as likely to drink at home as they are in pubs, bars or restaurants, according to the latest Drinkaware report, released today. 

The charity said that this represents a wider shift in which alcohol consumption has moved decisively into the home, with 73% of all alcohol bought in supermarkets and convenience stores drunk in this setting. 

Within this, data from Kantar showed that 11% of households exceed the Chief Medical Officer’s (CMO) low-risk guidelines of 14 units per week. 

Strikingly, however, this minority makes up over half of all off-trade alcohol sales, which Drinkaware relates to at-home alcohol harm. 

Delving deeper, Drinkaware said that some groups face higher vulnerability, with data showing that those who drink alone at home are more likely to show negative alcohol-related consequences when compared to those who drink with others. 

The percentage of drinkers who said they drank at home with others in 2025 was 83%, compared to 50% who reported drinking alone. However, this gap narrowed when looking at regular drinkers, who consume alcohol more than weekly. 

In response to this data, Drinkaware said that while most home drinkers imbibe alcohol in a safe way, there should still be more education and provisions in place for the minority who do not. 

This would include promoting a stronger understanding of the CMO’s guidelines, using behavioural science to reshape drinking habits through digital tools, normalising low & no alcohol drinks at home and bringing together groups across the sector to identify risks and patterns. 

In conclusion, Drinkaware CEO Karen Tyrell said: “This research shows how significantly drinking habits have changed in the UK, with home drinking now the dominant setting for alcohol consumption. That shift has important implications for how people access information and support.”

“Supermarkets are a critical part of that picture. By building on existing good practice and working together to ensure trusted advice is visible and accessible wherever alcohol is bought, partnerships can help make it easier for people to make informed choices, beyond a single moment of purchase.”