Pharmacists working at supermarket chain Morrisons are set to offer a free ‘drinking check’ in a bid to help ‘normalise’ the regular checking of drinking habits.

Morrisons has partnered with leading alcohol-harm charity Drinkaware to roll out the checks to the public across all 117 in-store pharmacies in the UK.

Pharmacists will use the charity’s ‘drinking check’ tool – consisting of a short questionnaire – to assess people’s drinking habits and help people understand the impact of this on their health.

The tool also offers tailored advice and support for those who want to moderate their drinking.

As part of the partnership, pharmacists have been given bespoke training from the charity on how to use it.

The initiative will also see posters and leaflets distributed across all in-store pharmacies to encourage customers to check their drinking.

The launch follows the festive period during which almost two-thirds (64%) of UK drinkers intended to drink more alcohol than they typically would at other times of the year, according to Drinkaware.

A poll by the charity late last year suggested more than half (56%) of drinkers planned to cut down their alcohol consumption in 2025.

Karen Tyrell, Drinkaware chief executive, said: ‘We are thrilled to be kicking off the new year by partnering with supermarket giant Morrisons to help customers learn more about their drinking habits, especially after the festive season when we know people tend to drink more.

‘By pharmacies offering the drinking check to customers as a way to assess their drinking, it’s a step towards normalising the regular checking of drinking habits.

‘People routinely visit the doctors to check their blood pressure or cholesterol, so why shouldn’t the same apply to alcohol?’

She added: ‘Now more than ever, it’s important to empower individuals to make informed decisions when it comes to drinking. Partnerships like this help us do exactly that.’

John Parry, head of pharmacy at Morrisons Pharmacy, said: ‘We know that lots of our customers are looking at ways to make healthier choices and so are pleased to be partnering with the charity Drinkaware in all our pharmacies.’