Alcohol consumption has shown a 'very significant drop', according to an analysis carried out by the drinks industry.
The Drinks Industry Group of Ireland said excise receipts from Revenue showed that alcohol sales in the first eight months of 2008 were down 7% on the same period last year.
DIGI chairman Michael Patten said that, on the basis of these figures, there was likely to be a drop in consumption of 8% or more this year.
The decline in overall consumption was spread across the on-trade (pubs and restaurants) and off-trade (off-licences and supermarkets).
Mr Patten said the industry was under pressure from a weakening economy and higher costs.
Call for advertising ban
Meanwhile, the Irish College of Psychiatrists has called for a ban on all alcohol advertising and sponsorship.
The college says there has been a false impression created that self-regulation in the sector is working.
According to a report published this morning alcohol is responsible for around 1,500 deaths each year and the negative impact of excessive alcohol use by young people and adults is immense.
The college says alcohol consumption has risen by around 40% in the past 15 years and in that time the health consequences have increased significantly.
Nearly €70m was spent on alcohol advertising last year - a 31% increase on the previous year.
Consultant psychiatrist Dr Bobby Smyth said that virtually all of the main sports are still linked to alcohol products and there are no meaningful restrictions on advertising.
The call for an advertising ban was rejected by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland who argued such a move would not be enforceable.
DIGI said the assumptions made in the College of Psychiatrists's report were based on out of date figures.
The group says there is no evidence to suggest that alcohol advertising leads to misuse or increased consumption of drink.
