AN annual report has given an insight into the current drinking habits of Darlington residents.

The BALANCE North East Alcohol Behaviour and Perceptions Survey has been carried out since 2010 and examines residents’ views on a whole range of alcohol-related topics.

It looks into the drinking habits of residents and records their opinions on matters such as alcohol pricing, licensing and availability of alcohol and its advertising, among other issues.

Figures collected for Darlington are compared to those of the wider North-East region and reveal that the town has fewer non-drinkers (21 per cent) within the borough, but that drinking alcohol monthly or less is more prevalent in Darlington than the wider region.

The report shows that Darlington men drink more frequently than women – for example, nine per cent of men surveyed drink alcohol six or more times a week, compared to only one per cent of women.

Furthermore, drinking monthly or less is more prevalent amongst women – 29 per cent, compared to 17 per cent of men.

Age also has an impact on frequency of drinking alcohol, with 29 per cent of Darlington residents aged over 55 claiming to never drink alcohol, whilst 34 per cent of 18 to 34 year olds admit to drinking two to four times a month.

Compared to the rest of the North-East, Darlington residents tend to drink more alcohol on a typical drinking day, with four in five respondents surveyed (81 per cent) drinking at least three drinks on the occasions they do drink alcohol, compared to 74 per cent in the wider region.

And within the borough, gender, age, socio-economic group and drinking behaviour all influence where alcohol is consumed most often.

Over half of men surveyed (54 per cent) drink at bars, pubs or clubs most often, compared to only 36 per cent of women.

On the other hand, drinking at home is more prevalent amongst women than men – 46 per cent versus 32 per cent respectively.

Bars, pubs and clubs are also frequented more often by those aged 18-34 (59 per cent).

And when it comes to alcohol pricing, a higher proportion of Darlington residents than the rest of the North-East regard the price of alcohol in pubs as too expensive - 65 per cent compared to 56 per cent in the wider region.

The survey’s results will be used by Darlington Borough Council to inform the policies of the Health and Well Being Board partners as they work to reduce the harm caused by alcohol consumption in the borough.