Almost half of those planning to go dry this month are more likely to go to the pub if booze-free options are available, according to research commissioned by Alcohol Change UK.
Lucky Saint is running a ‘Thou Shalt Go To The Pub’ campaign this January
This equates to around 3.7 million people nationally, with little difference between men (43%) and women (46%). Among 18- to 34-year-olds, 50% are more likely to visit a pub or bar that serves a good selection of alcohol-free alternatives.
The findings have been released halfway through Dry January and were presented to MPs and peers in Westminster at an event organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Alcohol Harm.
The government recently opened a consultation as part of efforts to encourage more people to choose no- and low-alcohol drinks — a step welcomed by Alcohol Change UK.
“According to our research, one in five people drank more in 2023 than in the previous year,” said Richard Piper, chief executive of Alcohol Change UK. “This was partly because people were socialising more, post-pandemic.
“But our findings also show that one in four of us want to reduce the amount of alcohol we drink this year. In doing so, we shouldn’t have to also cut back on socialising, which is why there is such demand for pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants to offer a great range of alcohol-free options.”
As well as helping moderate drinkers cut back, research from Alcohol Change UK shows that alcohol-free alternative drinks (beers, wines, spirits) are vital for people drinking at harmful and hazardous levels.
For heavy drinkers trying to cut back, 83% said alcohol-free options were important, and 53% said they were essential or very important. They are viewed as substantially more important than soft drinks.
Richard added: “As someone who only drinks alcohol occasionally myself, but who really enjoys pubs and socialising, I appreciate the fact there are hundreds of incredible alcohol-free alternative drinks now.
“Pubs and restaurants are starting to catch on that they can welcome a huge new customer base by meeting the needs of people like me. After all, a quarter of the adult population doesn’t drink alcohol.”
Emma Heal, managing director of beer-maker Lucky Saint, said: “We’re seeing a rapid cultural shift in attitudes towards drinking. People still want to go out and socialise in Dry January and enjoy a pint with friends, just without the alcohol.
“Our ‘Thou Shalt Go To The Pub’ campaign encourages people to keep socialising, and with over 1,000 pubs in the UK pouring Lucky Saint on draught, you’re all set for January and beyond.
“The goal is people feel good about successfully moderating, rather than seeing it as a failure if they don’t make it through January completely sober. The great news about taking a break or moderating in January is it’ll have positive benefits across the year as people tend to keep it up.”
