Units

In the UK, one ‘unit’ of alcohol = 8 grams (or 10 mls) of ethanol.

I unit   =

                 1/2 pint of ordinary beer, lager, stout or cider (3% - 4% ABV)

             1 single measure of spirits (in England and Wales, 25ml (or 1/6 gill) – 37.5% - 40% ABV)

                 1 small glass of wine (95ml or 3 fluid ounces – 9% - 14% ABV)

                 1 measure of vermouth or aperitif (50ml or 1/3 gill – 14% ABV)

ABV stands for Alcohol by volume, if a drink has an ABV of 5% that means that it contains five units of alcohol per one litre of that drink. For example:

One litre of 4% Carling contains four units of alcohol and therefore a 500ml can of 4% Carling contains two units

Recommended drinking limits

The Royal College of Physicians, the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the Royal College of General Practitioners and the British Medical Association have all recommended that men should drink less than 21 units per week and women less than 14 units per week.

The most recent advice from the Department of Health recommends that the daily  limit for men should be set at 3 - 4 units and the daily limit for women at 2 - 3 units due to the health risks associated with binge drinking. However it is not advised that these limits should be reached every day (as this would exceed the weekly limits) but that males and females should spread their consumption through out the week having 1 - 2 alcohol free days.

Age restrictions

Age 5

It is an offence to give alcohol to a child under the age of 5, except on the recommendation of a medical practitioner.

Age 14

Young children may enter a bar (defined as a place where alcohol is brought and consumed), but may not consume alcohol themselves.

Age 18

May legally purchase alcohol in a bar or from an off-licence.

Other Legal Points