Alcohol consumption in 2009 saw the sharpest year-on-year decline since 1948, figures from the British Beer and Pub Association suggest.
The BBPA said the data showed a 6% decline in 2009, the fourth annual decline in five years.
The association said UK drinkers were now consuming 13% less alcohol than in 2004, below the EU average.
It used HM Revenue and Customs data about the amount of alcohol sold by producers and importers into the UK.
It is thought the decline may be due to the effect of the recession on spending, but could also be a sign that messages about responsible drinking have affected drinking habits.
The organisation said UK taxes on beer remain the second highest duty rate in EU - 10 times higher than in Germany and seven times higher than in France.
Some �5.5bn is paid in duty and VAT, with alcohol contributing �14.6bn in total to UK tax revenues.
Other figures published in the BBPA Statistical Handbook 2010 show beer is the most popular drink sold, accounting for 60% of all alcohol sales in pubs, hotels, and restaurants. Wine is in second place at 17%.
In 2009, the UK ale market increased its market share of all beers for the first time since the 1960s. The number of UK brewers is now at its highest since 1940.
Vital role
The total spending on beer is �17bn a year, or 41% of all spending on alcohol. The average price of a pint of bitter is �2.58, with lager �2.95.
London is the most expensive region to buy a pint, with prices 35% higher than in the North East of England.
BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds said the figures would confound many people as they confirmed Britain was not drinking more.
"Those who suggest otherwise need to focus on the hard facts," she said.
"This handbook also reminds us of just how vital a role beer and pubs play in the UK economy in terms of turnover, jobs, and tax revenues.
"The new numbers show just how closely linked beer is to Britains struggling pubs, with beer accounting for around 60% of on-trade sales. Policymakers should take note."
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