Name: Non-drinkers.
Age: Any age, but like the police, they seem to be getting younger.
Appearance: Fresh of skin, clear of eye, absurdly rational.
It’s the curse of dry January. When will this wretched month end? Abstaining from alcohol is no longer just for January. For an increasing number of people, it is a year-round business.
Teetotallers are like vegetarians – suddenly they’re everywhere. Actually, only 7% of Britons call themselves vegetarians (and 4% vegan), while 16% say they are non-drinkers.
Great, that’s fine with me, as long as they don’t compromise my non-sobriety. That’s unlikely, although they may be steering your evening plans.
How so? According to a new survey, two out of three UK adults say the non-drinkers in their group influence the choice of venue when they go out.
Where are they taking us? They will probably want to go to a place that offers a wide range of non-alcoholic beverages.
That’s pretty much everywhere these days, isn’t it? You’d be surprised. According to the survey, 98% of bars, pubs and restaurants now offer alcohol-free options …
Like I said, pretty much everywhere. … but in 16% of venues, their only alcohol-free (AF) offering is beer. Most places sell AF beer in bottles, but only 33% of venues serve non-alcoholic cider, while 47% have AF spirits and 17% offer AF wine.
Alcohol-free beer, wine, cider – surely that’s enough of a choice? Problem is, even when venues do serve non-alcoholic drinks they often don’t list them on their menus or websites, making it hard for non-drinkers to plan their nights out.
If you don’t drink, what’s there to plan? Just enjoy yourself the best you can until it’s time to drive me home. One in three visits to pubs, bars and restaurants in the UK are alcohol-free. Eighteen percent of Britons tried an alcohol-free spirit in the last month. And yet this growing group of moderate and non-drinkers is still ill served, with limited choice and poor visibility of the range of options available.
What you’re saying is, the venues are missing a trick. Exactly – there’s a market out there to be catered for.
This has really made me think about my choices. Make mine an alcohol-free margarita. Certainly. That’ll be £18.75, please.
Are you joking? No.
Do say: “Hey, alcohol-free mate – did you have a good time at the pub last night?”
Don’t say: “And remind me – did I?”
