EE - First decrease in alcohol consumption in Estonia this decade

The Estonian Institute of Economic Research published its annual report on alcohol consumption in May. According to their research, Estonians drank 11,9 litres of pure alcohol per capita in 2008. In 2007 – 12,6. That was the first decrease since 2001.
This 5,3% decrease can be credited to some important alcohol policy changes that were introduced in 2008. During 2008, alcohol taxes were raised by 30% (20% in January 2008 and an additional 10% in July 2008). From August 2008, alcohol retail sale was banned during night time from 22:00. From 1 November 2008 alcohol advertising on TV was only permitted after 21:00 (previously alcohol ads were aired from 20:00). Alcohol consumption is probably also influenced by the financial crisis; however, that impact will be seen in the data for 2009.