The researchers followed more than 17,000 men and women born in 1958.Their progress into adulthood was charted through regular interviews about different aspects of their lives. Compared with abstainers, it was found that moderate-drinking employees who joined colleagues for a drink were more likely to get promotions in their jobs and earn more money because drinking together builds trust and friendships that allowed for easy networking with superiors as well as fellow workers.

On average the moderate drinkers earned 17% more than tee-total colleagues.Heavier drinkers (defined as men drinking >50 units of alcohol per week and women who drink > 35 units per week) earned less, but still more than teetotallers. Professor David Bell states "The survey shows you don’t want to be a teetotaler. People who drink moderately seem to earn more."The findings were welcomed by the Campaign for Real Ale’s Mike Benner, who said: "Drinking in pubs breaks down lots of social barriers. It’s part of our culture and always has been". But Alcohol Concern said: "Some professions and firms have a very strong drinking culture and this may explain the results".