Legal alcohol consumption in Lithuania dropped to its lowest level in a decade in 2024, according to new data presented to the Seimas Committee on Health Affairs. However, the number of alcohol-related deaths rose, highlighting a concerning public health trend.
The Drug, Tobacco and Alcohol Control Department reported that per capita consumption of legally sold alcohol fell further last year, continuing a downward trend. Notably, this data does not include homemade or imported alcohol.
Despite the decline in consumption, the number of deaths linked to alcohol – including alcoholic liver disease and cardiomyopathy – increased compared to 2023.
Teen alcohol use highest in Šiauliai region
For the first time, adolescent alcohol use was analysed by municipality. The highest percentage of 15- to 16-year-olds who had tried alcohol at least once was recorded in Šiauliai District, where over 88% of respondents reported doing so.
Other municipalities with high rates of teen drinking included Kelmė, Druskininkai, Plungė, Alytus, Varėna, Kretinga, and Rietavas, each with around 80% of teens reporting alcohol use. The lowest rate was recorded in Pasvalys District at 51%.
“We hope this municipal-level data will help local governments identify the need for targeted interventions to reduce alcohol use among teenagers,” said department representative Gražina Belian.
Beer still dominates, whiskey sees biggest price jump
According to the State Data Agency, beer remained the most consumed alcoholic beverage in Lithuania last year, with 192 million litres sold, accounting for nearly 73% of all legally sold alcohol.
Wine made up about 16%, while spirits such as vodka, whiskey, and brandy accounted for just 11%.
Whiskey saw the largest price increase in 2024, rising by 6.3%. Domestically produced beer followed with a 5.2% price hike. Brandy and sparkling grape wine experienced the smallest price increases, at 3.6% and 3.7%, respectively.
Fewer alcohol-fuelled crimes but more drunk driving accidents
There was positive news in terms of alcohol-related crime: offences committed by intoxicated individuals fell by nearly 11% compared to 2023.
However, alcohol-related traffic accidents increased. In 2024, there were 234 road accidents caused by drunk drivers – nearly 5% more than the previous year.
Newsletter
Every Friday morning.
