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Pub-goers toast alcohol-free tipples

Low-or no-alcohol drinks are gaining popularity with British adults with two-thirds of midlife drinkers saying they have drunk, or would try, lower-strength alcoholic drinks – an increase of 15% in the past two years.

The research, from alcohol education charity Drinkaware, also found that more than half (51%) of people aged 45 to 64 have consumed, or would try, alcohol-free drinks – up from 48% last year.

“Midlife drinkers often get bad press when it comes to their drinking habits, but this new research tells us that a growing number of men and women in this age group are willing to embrace alternatives,” said Drinkaware chief executive Elaine Hindal.

Young adults are showing a similar openness to try lower-ABV products with more than two thirds (68%) of drinkers aged 18 to 44 saying they either currently drink, have drunk, or would consider drinking lower-strength drinks. A little under half (47%), meanwhile, said they currently drink non-alcoholic beer, wine or spirit substitutes.

Hindal said that low- and no-alcohol drinks could be a powerful tool in helping people make good on New Year resolutions to drink less in 2020. “An interesting no- and low-alcohol offer means that people who choose to give up drink in January don’t also have to give up going to the pub. By welcoming these customers, operators can keep their venues a little busier during what has traditionally been a very quiet month.”