A Cork publican has said the decline in drinking among young people could be down to the pressure to look good on Instagram. 

Since 2001, alcohol consumption in Ireland has dropped by an estimated 34.3%. 

Last year, it was calculated that the average adult consumes 9.49 litres of pure alcohol - down by 4% since 2024. 

On Lunchtime Live, publican Paul Montgomery said the reduction in the amount that people drink is a “good thing”, as it benefits their health. 

“I have two sons in their 20s and they hardly drink,” he explained. 

“They're into gyms, fitness, looking well, la la la. So that's all happening.

“That's a trend that's happening, which is good and maybe that's Instagram, too? When people want to look good for the summer.”

People drinking by the canal in Dublin. Picture by: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie.

However, Mr Montgomery continued that having a drink down the pub is also a social event that society needs. 

He also defended people who think public drinking should be allowed.  

“You will find that there is 40, 50 people out and all this afternoon sitting outside on the footpaths and public footpaths with licence and they're having a drink,” he said. 

“So, that is happening and that's working. 

“What it does do then is it does encourage other people to come out and see people are relaxed there. 

“And we've got to be careful in the knocking of the public drinking.”

Mr Montgomery added that while he understands people’s concerns about anti-social behaviour, other European countries manage outdoor drinking without significant issues. 

“People need to get out and relax,” he said. 

“People want to be outdoors and even in European countries that don't have the best weather, they have rugs over their legs and they have outdoor heating, as we have.

“It's a want for people and it's a necessity.”

Main image: A group of young people taking selfies while drinking together. Picture by: Alamy.com.