Dry January drives London's thirst for low and zero alcohol drinks

"Figures from Alcohol Change UK show that 41% of people in Greater London planned to take part in Dry January this year, compared with a 32% national average. But the trend extends beyond the month itself with 23% of people in the capital wanting to drink less throughout 2026, while 42% say they have become more concerned about the long-term health impact of alcohol. According to the figures, 70% of London drinkers have tried to moderate their alcohol intake significantly higher than the 52% seen across the UK."

"One Bermondsey brewery believes it is well placed to cater for this change. Small Beer Brewery bills itself as the world's first brewery dedicated to loweralcohol beer, producing drinks of up to 2.8% ABV — roughly half the strength of a typical pint. Its beers are sold online and offered to visitors in its taproom every Saturday. Small Beer Brewery Felix James, co-founder of the brewery, said: "At the back of the pandemic, we certainly saw that people as a whole were moving towards moderating their alcohol intake. "I think this is really integrating into a wider societal shift where people are looking to moderate and for that to fit in with the rest of their lifestyle.""

"Alcohol Change campaigner Joe Marley said: "We're really lucky now that there are so many fantastic alcohol-free options available. "In fact, I think actually nine out of 10 pubs offer a low or no alcohol option. "So I think it's brilliant to see so many pubs that are embracing the Dry January challenge, not just in Jan""

Dry January participation and broader moderation intentions are notably higher in London than the UK average. Forty-one percent of people in Greater London planned to take part in Dry January, versus a 32% national average. Twenty-three percent of people in the capital want to drink less throughout 2026, and 42% are more concerned about alcohol's long-term health impact. Seventy percent of London drinkers have tried to moderate their intake, compared with 52% nationally. Small Beer Brewery in Bermondsey produces beers up to 2.8% ABV and sells them online and at a Saturday taproom. The reformed alcohol duty system introduced in August 2023 reduces taxes on lower-strength drinks and can give further relief to qualifying draught products under 8.5% ABV.

Read at www.bbc.com