When people mention Units of alcohol – what do they mean?
Alcoholic drinks contain different amount of alcohol. The strength of the drink is shown on the label by a number, for example – “5% vol” or “4% ABV”. The higher the number – the more alcohol in the drink. The ‘units’ system is a relatively simple and straightforward way of comparing how much alcohol is in a type of drink. • A pint of ordinary strength lager (Carling Black Label, Fosters) = 2 units • A pint of strong lager (Stella Artois, Kronenbourg 1664) = 3 units • A pint of ordinary bitter (John Smith’s, Boddingtons) = 2 units • A pint of best bitter (Fuller’s ESB, Young’s Special) = 3 units • A pint of ordinary strength cider (Woodpecker) = 2 units • A pint of strong cider (Dry Blackthorn, Strongbow) = 3 units • A 175ml glass of red or white wine = around 2 units • A pub measure of spirits = 1 unit • A small alcopop bottle (eg Smirnoff Ice, Bacardi Breezer, WKD, Reef) = around 1.5 units The guidelines for an adult are a maximum of 2-3 units per day for women and a maximumm of 3-4
