Responsible Drinking Guidelines

Responsible or low risk:
Level at which drinking is unlikely to cause health problems	MEN
3 units per day, with a maximum of 21 units per week  spread throughout the week (including at least 2 alcohol free days per week)

WOMEN
2 units per day with a maximum of 14 units per week spread throughout the week  (including at least 2 alcohol-free days per week)	
Hazardous or increased risk:
Level at which there is an increasing risk of problems such as raised blood pressure, stroke, liver cirrhosis	MEN
3–7 units per day, or 22–49 units/week

WOMEN
2–5 units per day, or from 15–35 units/week	
Harmful or definitely dangerous:
Sustained drinking at this level is likely to cause physical, mental, social problems	MEN
7+ units per day, or 50+ units per week

WOMEN
5+ units per day, or 35+ units per week	
Source: Medical Council for Alcohol Abuse

ALCOHOL CONTENT OF ALCOHOLIC DRINKS

Beers, lagers, cider				Extra Strong beers, lagers, cider
Ordinary strength (3.5 or 4% ABV)		Extra strong (8 or 9 % ABV)
1 pint = 2 units 					1 pint  = 4 units 
1 large can (500 ml) = 2 units			1 can  = 4 units

Table Wine					Spirits
1 small glass white (8 or 9% ABV) = 1 unit	1x standard measure = 1 unit 
1 small glass red (11 or 12% ABV) = 1.5 units	1x 75cl bottle of spirits = 28 units
1 large glass (175 ml) red (12%) = 2 units
1 bottle = 7-10 units 				Alco-pops
1x 75 cl bottle of 12% proof red = 9 units		1x 330 ml bottle (5%) = 1.5 units
1x 75 cl bottle of 9% proof white = 7 units		1x 20cl bottle (13.5%) = 2.7 units
					
1 unit = 8 g or 10ml (1 cl) of pure alcohol 
ABV = Percentage of Alcohol by Volume
To work out the exact number of units in a drink, multiply the volume of the drink (in ml) by the %ABV and dividing it by 1000.