Alcohol is still very popular among the Maltese though many think tighter rules should be introduced for the young and vulnerable.
According to a new EU-wide survey, published in Brussels yesterday, the overwhelming majority of the Maltese consume some type of alcoholic on a regular basis.
The survey's most worrying result is that binge drinking, meaning the downing of five or more alcoholic drinks in one occasion, is also quite high. The survey, conducted last October by Misco among 500 interviewees, shows that in the 30 days before the survey, 86 per cent admitted they had consumed some type of alcohol. Only 14 per cent said they did not touch a drink.
Stunningly, 38 per cent admitted they binge drink at least once a month and 19 per cent of them drink more than five consecutive drinks at one go "at least once a week" and seven per cent binge drink "several times a week".
Despite this passion for alcohol, the survey reveals a near-complete ignorance of the laws with regard to alcohol, particularly those related to drink-driving.
Asked to say how many drinks can one consume before becoming unfit to drive, 91 per cent were unable to reply. The same amount of respondents gave a wrong answer when asked to state limit on the amount of alcohol you can have in your blood while driving.
But despite the seemingly libertarian attitude of many towards alcohol, most respondents still want more restrictions on the availability of alcoholic beverages to young people. Some 93 per cent of those interviewed said they agreed with measures banning the sale of alcoholic drinks to people under 18 years old and 77 per cent support the banning of alcohol advertising, especially targeting the young and vulnerable.
The majority, 73 per cent, also want the level of alcohol one can have in the blood to be decreased for young and novice drivers.
The Eurobarometer survey shows that, for alcohol consumers, price is not an issue. Asked on whether they would still buy the same amount of alcohol if the price increased by 25 per cent, just under half, or 49 per cent, said they would and 22 per cent said they would cut consumption.
On an EU level, the survey showed that Europeans widely support public policies aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm.
A clear majority (89 per cent in favour) supports an 18-year age limit when it comes to selling and serving alcoholic beverages across the EU.
There is also strong endorsement for action against drink-driving, such as random checks by the police (83 per cent in favour) and lower limits of alcohol levels in the blood stream for young drivers (73 per cent in favour).
Binge drinking affects all ages but young people aged 15-24 years are the most likely to binge drink every week. This puts younger people at a greater risk of adverse effects related to intoxication, such as accidental injuries, fights and violence.
Percentages above the EU average are found in Ireland, Romania, Germany and Austria, followed by the UK, Spain, Greece and Italy.