For the first time in more than 20 years, Northern Ireland’s chief medical officer has revised alcohol guidelines.
Both men and women are now being told it is best not to consume any more than 14 units a week, which is around six pints of beer, and those should be spread over three days.
But science shows that even then there is still some risk of developing alcohol related illnesses.
Pregnant women are also now being advised not to drink at all.
The guidance, issued by the UK’s chief medical officers, marks the first full review of alcohol guidelines since 1995.
Behaviour
Dr Michael McBride, Northern Ireland’s chief medical officer, said: “Many people drink alcohol, and most do so in ways that do not significantly put them at risk of alcohol-related harm, but new evidence has emerged on the potential risks and benefits from alcohol consumption.