Almost half of young people across the UK are turning down alcohol for low or no-alcohol alternatives, a new survey has said.
Carried out for industry body the Portman Group by Yougov, the survey found 44% of 18 to 24 year olds consider themselves to be either occasional or regular drinkers of alcohol alternatives – up from 31% in 2022.
It also found the age group were the most sober overall. For example, around 39% are not drinking alcohol at all. Some who tried the substitutes said it helped them cut down on their drinking.
Drink responsibly
In addition, 23% said their intake decreased while opting for low or no-alcohol drinks. This is up slightly from 2022’s 21%.
Portman Group chief executive Matt Lambert said: ‘It is welcome to see a further rise in the popularity of low and no-alcohol alternatives as well as further evidence of how they are an important tool to help UK drinkers, particularly younger adults, to drink responsibly.
‘The availability of alcohol alternatives has never been more abundant and we eagerly await the outcome of the recent UK government consultation on low-alcohol descriptors, which we hope will further facilitate the growth of the UK low and no-alcohol market.’
Healthier choices
Last October, the government opened a public consultation regarding potential changes to labelling guidance for no and low-alcohol alternatives.
The proposal aims to help people make healthier choices while also continuing to support businesses by making alternatives to alcoholic drinks more widely available.
As is the case in the USA, New Zealand, Germany and Australia, drinks containing 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) could become labelled as alcohol free. The threshold in the UK is currently 0.05%.
In addition, no and low-alcohol drinks will become easier to buy in an attempt to make alcohol alternative drinks more popular. The proposal will see people encouraged to buy alcohol-free drinks in venues such as pubs, restaurants and shows.
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