UK Pubs See Surge in No-Alcohol Beer Sales

The popularity of no and low-alcohol beers in the UK has surged, with 86% of pubs now offering these alternatives, leading to expectations of selling a record 140 million pints this year, a 14% increase from 2022. The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) reports that the category comprises 12% of total beer sales, indicating a significant shift in consumer preferences towards more inclusive drinking options. Draught offerings have also expanded, increasing from 2% in 2019 to 8% currently. The BBPA is advocating for the UK government to align its 'alcohol-free' threshold of 0.05% ABV with the more common 0.5% ABV used in other countries to foster fairness for UK brewers. Emma McClarkin, CEO of the BBPA, emphasizes that the growth reflects a response to changing consumer needs, particularly among younger drinkers. The call for government support is echoed by industry leaders who believe that clearer descriptors could enhance consumer understanding and drive sales further.