Convictions for drunkenness in England and Wales declined significantly in the past year, according to recent licensing statistics. The total number of convictions recorded was 75,077, a drop of 4,005—or 5.1 percent—from the figures reported in 1924. This represents the lowest annual total since 1919.

The reduction in convictions was largely concentrated in the latter seven months of the year and is attributed primarily to economic factors, including trade depression and rising unemployment. In England, the number of convictions fell by 3,371 compared to the previous year. Notably, the northern counties experienced a decrease of 3,106 cases, a drop of 7.6 percent, while Greater London saw a more modest decline of 462 cases, or 1.5 percent. The southern counties, in contrast, recorded a slight increase. In Wales, convictions fell by 634, amounting to a 16.1 percent decline.

While the total figures remain higher than those recorded during wartime lows—being about two and a half times the lowest number in 1918—they are significantly reduced from the pre-war peak. In 1913, drunkenness convictions reached their highest level, and the current year’s total is roughly 40 percent of that number.

Gender distribution of convictions remained consistent with previous years. Men accounted for nearly 84 percent of convictions, totaling 62,843 cases, while women made up 16 percent, with 12,234 convictions. For males, the number of convictions was slightly below three times the wartime low of 1918, whereas female convictions were somewhat less than double that low point.

The statistics also reveal variations in drunkenness convictions by day of the week. Saturdays accounted for the largest proportion, with about one-third (33 percent) of convictions occurring on that day. Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays each contributed around 9 to 10 percent. Mondays and Fridays recorded 12 percent and 16 percent, respectively.

Cases involving the consumption of methylated spirits declined from 693 in 1924 to 444 in the most recent year. Among those convicted, 241 were men and 208 were women. The decrease may be linked to recent efforts to make methylated spirits less palatable in an attempt to curb their abuse.

Overall, the data suggest a downward trend in drunkenness convictions amid ongoing economic challenges, though patterns vary by region, gender, and day of the week.