The UK saw the biggest fall in alcohol consumption in 60 years, according to the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).
The BBPA's new Statistical Handbook reveals that there was a 6% decline in alcohol consumption in 2009 — the sharpest decrease since 1948.
It was also the fourth annual decline in five years and UK drinkers are now consuming 13% less alcohol than in 2004. The UK consumption remains below the EU average.
The new book also reveals that the UK is one of the highest taxed on beer with the second highest duty rate in the EU — 10 times higher than Germany and seven times higher than France.
Key stats in the book:
• The UK ale market increased its market share of all beers in 2009 for the first time since the 1960s.
• Ale's success is also reflected in the number of UK brewers, which is now at its highest since 1940.
• Beer is by far the pubgoers favourite tipple, making up 60% of all alcohol sales in pubs, hotels, and restaurants compared to second-placed wine at 17%.
• The total beer spend is £17bn per year — 41% of all spending on alcohol.
• The average price of a pint of bitter is £2.58 and lager £2.95. London is the most expensive region to buy a pint, with prices 35% higher than in the north east.
• Beer is a vital contributor to the Treasury, with £5.5bn paid in duty and VAT. In total, alcohol contributes £14.6bn to UK tax revenues.
• Over one billion pints of British beer are now exported, a UK success story worth over £460m to the UK economy.
"These figures will confound many pundits, as yet again they confirm that as a nation, we are not drinking more," said BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds.
"Those who suggest otherwise need to focus on the hard facts.
"This handbook also reminds us of just how vital a role beer and pubs play in the UK economy, in terms of turnover, jobs, and tax revenues.
"The new numbers show just how closely linked beer is to Britain's struggling pubs, with beer accounting for around 60 per cent of on-trade sales. Policy-makers should take note."
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