April 24, 2010

Eurobarometer, the European Union’s official public polling agency reported that the continent's top binge drinks are the Irish.

The agency surveyed over 27,000 Europeans about their alcohol consumption habits. 

The study found that the Irish are the most likely to binge drink, defined as consuming more five or more drinks in one sitting.

Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Luxembourg, Slovakia and Spain have all seen a decrease in the percentage of those who have 5 or more drinks at least once a week when compared to results of this survey conducted in 2006. Cyprus, Greece, Lithuania and Portugal have all seen an increase in the percentage of those who say they have 5 drinks or more at least once a week.

European men are more likely (36%) to binge drink once a week than women (19%). The percentage of frequent binge drinking (having 5 drinks or more at least once a week) is highest (33%) among the youngest age group, 15-24-year olds.

European Union Member States in Order of Binge Drinking