Concerns over misuse of alcohol - survey

About 56% of respondents in Jersey and 52% of respondents in Guernsey want more to be done to reduce harm caused by alcohol

More than half of the respondents to a survey on alcohol use in Jersey and Guernsey expressed concerns about the level of consumption and anti-social behaviour, a new report has shown.

The survey by Island Global Research was taken by 1264 Jersey residents and 1393 Guernsey residents between October and November 2024.

In Jersey, 53% of respondents said their greatest concern about alcohol consumption was anti-social behaviour, with 55% of respondents in Guernsey expressing the same concern.

About 56% of respondents in Jersey and 52% of respondents in Guernsey believed more needed to be done to reduce harm caused by alcohol.

'Education is key'

According to the survey results, the other main concerns included the cost of alcohol consumption on the healthcare system, with 38% of respondents reporting they were very concerned in Jersey and 35% in Guernsey.

There was also concerns about the impact on the health of people who drink - 26% in Guernsey and 31% in Jersey.

The survey showed 91% in Jersey and 92% in Guernsey agreed drinking alcohol in moderation was socially acceptable.

A respondent from Jersey said: "I think education is key.

"If people drink alcohol excessively adding labelling or limiting pricing and promotions will not stop that."

Another respondent from Guernsey said: "Night-life culture is very much associated with alcohol consumption and consequently socially unacceptable behaviour by a significant minority."