Making alcohol-free beer more widely available on draught in pubs may help people switch to non-alcoholic drinks without hurting profits, a new study suggests.
University of Bristol researchers, working with Bristol City Council and 14 pubs and bars, found that when an alcohol-free option was available the bars sold, on average, 29 litres or 51 pints less of alcoholic beer per week.
However, this was replaced by an equivalent increase in sales of alcohol-free beer, which meant there was ‘no net impact on overall monetary takings’.
Christina Gray, director for Communities and Public Health at Bristol City Council, commented: ‘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.’
