In this municipality, people drink the most in the Netherlands

The municipal elections didn’t seem to keep many people particularly occupied. Turnout was low, as were the viewing figures for the election special. But our colleagues at Amayzine read this municipality-related news. And it’s something you might actually be interested in.

Afkickkliniekwijzer.nl is researching drinking habits by municipality, focusing mainly on heavy drinkers. Now you probably want to know what a heavy drinker is. Hold on tight. You’re one if, as a woman, you consume more than 14 alcoholic ‘drinks’ per week, or, as a man, more than 21 drinks. Our colleague May-Britt quickly rounded up the funniest facts.

1. Yes, people in the Gooi region and in Bloemendaal really know how to drink. In wealthy municipalities, as many as 10 percent of people drink significantly more than average, but there’s good news too: in these municipalities, drinking has decreased by 1 percent since 2019.

2. Almost everywhere, people started drinking less after the pandemic. I thought everyone reached for the bottle and the chocolate during the pandemic, but compared with 2019, we have all started drinking less. Except in Friesland, by the way—they’re stubbornly keeping it up.

3. People in Kapelle drink the least. Kapelle is the village where Jan Peter Balkenende comes from, and apparently many well-behaved citizens who drink in moderation live there. Impressive!

4. People in the Achterhoek drink the most. Rijssen, Holten and Hof van Twente score red, as does the municipality of Dinkelland—not to be confused with Drinkelland.

5. A lot of drinking takes place on Vlieland, Terschelling and Schiermonnikoog. Not so much on Ameland and Texel, though.

6. 1 in 16 Dutch people drinks too much.

14 drinks per week

And if you’re completely honest, with terrace season looming, you can get through those 14 drinks in a week pretty easily. Without sounding like an old nag: choose alcohol-free drinks from time to time and build in some sober days. Not drinking isn’t boring. And if you think things are getting out of hand, check afkickkliniekwijzer.nl to find out whether it’s cause for concern.

And no, this article wasn’t paid for, but if they’ve carried out such an enjoyable study, that’s the least I can do in return. Have a lovely day—and cheers, with whatever you choose to toast.

Source: Afkickkliniekwijzer.nl

Also read:

• 8 myths about alcohol (so you can stop believing them!)
• Good to know: alcohol really isn’t that bad for you
• Alcohol tips for those who want to cut back (or simply think things through a little)