With 85% of pubs now serving alcohol-free beers, the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) is urging people to support their local, regardless of what they’re ordering at the bar.
Up from 78% just three years ago, an estimated 39,000 pubs across the UK now serve a low- or no-alcohol beer, in addition to a whole range of other non-alcoholic drinks.
With the cost of living biting, the BBPA is encouraging people not to make the start of the year even more blue by staying home. Instead, come together, stave off loneliness, and support the pubs at the heart of our communities.
The call comes as pubs across the country continue to suffer after a third year of disrupted trading. Train strikes affect business, while venues also battle with extortionate energy bills and inflation.
“These are tough times for the country, and people are understandably finding ways to cut back,” said BBPA chief executive, Emma McClarkin.
“But in what is usually an already gloomy time of year, we’re encouraging people to seek out their community hubs and come together with friends and family at their local. Not only will you be greeted with warmth and friendly faces, but you’ll be supporting much-loved businesses that urgently need help to survive.
“Our nation’s ingenious brewers have made great strides in developing new ranges of delicious low- and no-alcohol options over the past few years, so if you can, please head down to your local and taste what’s on offer. A warm welcome awaits you and you might even find a new favourite tipple amongst friendly faces.”
