Almost half (44%) 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.
This equates to around 3.7 million people nationally, with little difference between men (43%) and women (46%). Among 18-34-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 will be presented to MPs and Peers in Westminster today [16 Jan], 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.
Richard Piper, chief executive of Alcohol Change UK, said: “According to our research, one in five people drank more in 2023 than in the previous year. 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 levels2. 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 substantially more important than soft drinks.
Richard explained: “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 at Lucky Saint, the Official Beer of Dry January®, 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.”
Paul Gloster, CEO of Lyres, the Official Wine and Spirit of Dry January®, said: “We started Lyre’s with a bold mission, to change the way the world drinks. Our success has shown that there’s incredible demand for premium non-alcoholic drinks. We believe it is part of our role to educate and showcase the wide range of options available to consumers, whether they want to stop or moderate. We are delighted to be partnering with Alcohol Change UK which is an incredible organisation helping people to develop a healthier relationship with alcohol. Lyre’s is available in over 4,000 venues across the country so consumers can enjoy in the comfort of their own home or in-venue.”
Harry Furse, UK sales director at Mocktails, the Official Cocktails of Dry January®, said: “It’s been great to see how retailers have started to embrace the alcohol-free category over the last 12 months, with incremental ranging and in-store visibility for the sector. In hospitality settings, we’ve also seen a fantastic improvement in the quality of drinks available across the alcohol-free space. This has better catered for people who do not drink alcohol, and allowed those who are drinking to practice moderation or flexi-drinking.”
Alcohol Change UK is encouraging people to try a dry night out and start a conversation with their local pub about the alcohol-free options available. Richard Piper said: “Dry January® is a great opportunity to establish new, lasting habits, so if you feel comfortable being in a pub or bar, January is the perfect time to try it alcohol-free, then continue throughout the year. Many people have told us that a simple conversation with their local landlord led to better alcohol-free options being stocked, making pub and bar experiences better for everyone.”
