The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) expects 7.8 million pints of low- and no-alcohol beer to be sold this month, as some consumers look to abstain from alcohol for Dry January.
However, the vast majority of that beer will be sold in shops and supermarkets, not pubs, the trade association has warned. It is urging Brits to support their local this Dry January by enjoying a pint of non-alcoholic beer at the pub instead.
Dry January has always been a quieter month for pubs. However, in light of covid restrictions, which hit pubs’ trade hard over the critical Christmas and New Year period (the BBPA estimates that pubs sold 37 million fewer pints over Christmas — worth £300 million in trade) the BBPA says it is vital that Brits support their locals this January and beyond.
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “It has been a torrid Christmas for pubs, which now need the support of the communities they serve in the difficult months ahead.
“The range and quality of non-alcoholic beers in the UK has never been better. Some are now available on tap in pubs, making them the perfect option for those doing Dry January who are thirsty for a pint.
“If more of the 7.8 million pints of non-alcoholic beer we expect to be consumed this January are sold in pubs, it will be a big boost for our sector.
“I urge beer drinkers and pub goers taking part in Dry January to still support their local. With such a great range of low and no alcohol beers in pubs — including on draught — it’s the perfect way to still savour a pint this Dry January!”
