News / Alcohol
Offering alcohol-free beer in pubs could reduce alcohol-associated harms
Bristol pubs and bars that made alcohol-free beer more widely available saw an uptake in customers choosing these healthier drinks without a loss of overall sales.
A study conducted by researchers from the University of Bristol has shown that nudging the public’s thirst for draught alcohol-free beers could significantly reduce alcohol-associated harms.
Working in partnership with Bristol City Council, the university’s Tobacco & Alcohol Research Group (TARG) recruited 14 pubs and bars across the city who – over a period of eight weeks – twice offered only alcoholic beer on draught for a fortnight followed by an alcohol-free option on draught for a fortnight.
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The researchers found that when an alcohol-free option was available, the pubs and bars sold on average 29 litres less of alcoholic beer per week and a five per cent reduction in sales.
However, this was replaced by an equivalent increase in sales of alcohol-free beer, suggesting customers were simply selecting a different option; with no net impact on overall monetary takings.
In a statement, the TARG research team said: “Although alcohol-free options have been available for a while in pubs and bars, they have not had the same visual prominence as alcoholic drinks and are rarely served on draught.
“Our study showed that providing front-of-bar draught non-alcoholic options could lead to some customers switching from alcoholic drinks.
“This does not restrict consumer choice, in fact it increases the options available to the customer, and at the same time could reduce population levels of alcohol consumption and improve public health.”
Bristol City Council director for communities & public health, Christina Gray, added: “As part of our drug and alcohol strategy, BCC looks to reduce the harms that can be caused by alcohol, while supporting people to change behaviour.
“This research demonstrates that increased availability of no and low alcohol options in hospitality settings encourages customers to switch to healthier options, but does not have a negative economic impact on the hospitality business.
“This enables customers to make healthier choices, whilst enjoying the positive benefits of community and socialisation that night time economy spaces provide across Bristol.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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