The majority (71%) of people polled admitted that their alcohol intake will increase during the festive season, with the average person saying they would drink across five separate occasions and rack up a bill of £189.27.

The study by www.vouchercloud.com polled 1,991 UK men and women who drink alcohol as part of research into spending habits and personal finance over the festive period.

While 22% said they would drink “about the same as usual” over Christmas, only 7% said they would drink less.

The most common occasions for drinking over the Christmas week were revealed to be ‘New Year’s Eve’ (74%), ‘Christmas Day’ (58%), ‘Christmas Eve’ (52%), ‘Work’s Christmas Party’ (49%) and ‘Boxing Day’ (37%) according to those polled.

Matthew Wood of vouchercloud said: “Christmas is traditionally seen as a boozy time of year; we even put brandy on the pudding! So it’s no surprise that people are liable to spend more on alcohol over the festive period. However, the amount is quite surprising. Not only are we having to fork out for presents and food, we’re also digging deeper to cover the bar bill it would seem.”