The results of a broad survey of drinking behaviour in Switzerland are reported. It is based on a questionnaire considered to be representative obtained from 1500 residents of Switzerland between 15 and 74 years of age. The study confirms previous findings that, similar as in other countries, alcohol consumption in Switzerland is distributed in the population as a logarithmic curve. The results demonstrate that the alcohol consumed in amounts which are considered to be dangerous to health (daily consumption of pure alcohol: 80 grams and more) was found to be 30% of total consumption in German and French Switzerland, and 47% in Italian Switzerland respectively. In contrast to other countries there is no predominance of particular beverages, but there are some clear-cut preferences for certain beverages in certain areas within the country. The study further demonstrates that in areas with higher average consumption a higher percentage of heavy consumers is found; this is particularly the case for French and Italian Switzerland. Moreover, a higher average consumption is associated with an increase in mortality rates from alcohol-related cirrhosis of the liver. The relationship between regional average consumption and mortality rates from cirrhosis indicates not a linear, but an exponential increase of the latter with rising consumption. It was found that the following social-demographic variables are significantly associated with the prevalence to drinking: sex, age, income and education.