One in five drinkers are becoming bored of booze – or just don’t like it anymore

One in five drinkers (21%) are becoming bored of booze, research has found – with 35% having cut back their alcohol consumption in the last 12 months.

Up until a year ago, over a quarter of Brits (27%) claim they had never attended a social event without drinking – with 78% associating such occasions, like weddings and birthdays, with consuming alcohol.

However, times are changing – and over the last year, 61% have become more inclined to drink alcohol in moderation.

And over half (57%), of the 2,000 adults polled, who have ever drunk alcohol, are “doing things by halves”, and choosing to break up their drinking at social events with alcohol-free options.

Weddings (25%) and birthdays (26%) are some of the top occasions Brits reckon they would enjoy more if they drank in moderation – with a fifth of those polled planning to test this approach at social events this summer.

In fact, nearly half of Brits (44%) believe that drinking in moderation is a good way to introduce more moderation into their lives, in general.

And 43% view it as a form of self-care – while 14% feel it helps to make life’s moments more memorable.

The research was commissioned by Harrogate Spring Water, advocates of mindful drinking, whose managing director, Richard Hall, said: “Our survey clearly shows adults of today are becoming more mindful in their drinking habits.

“Trying to intersperse alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks is a great way to do this.”

The study, conducted via OnePoll, found that many are turning to drinking mindfully because they believe that it gives them a more balanced lifestyle (42%), and better relationships (23%).

Some of the other reasons for this lifestyle change include health reasons (46%), or to save money (41%) – while 21% of those polled claim they simply don’t like alcohol anymore.

And of those who have cut back their consumption in the last year, 34% say they have noticed an improvement in their overall health and wellbeing as a result.

Harrogate Spring Water is hosting a Mindful Drinking Bar at this year’s Royal Ascot – with the aim of encouraging racegoers to “do things by halves, one sip at a time.”

Richard Hall added: “Our Mindful Drinking Bar is back at Royal Ascot for the second year running.

“We are pleased to be able to support people to socialise and enjoy the moment whilst reducing their alcohol intake – which we know is often much easier said than done.

“We want to show racegoers that drinking life in, and enjoying the moment by doing things by halves, really can help make life’s moments more memorable.”