The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) is calling on the Labour Party government to update the UK's definition of alcohol-free beer, as pubs prepare to sell over 64 million pints of no and low alcohol beer this summer. The figure represents an increase of eight million on last year, according to industry predictions.
Record sales of no and low alcohol beer
The BBPA described the growth as “staggering” and said it proved that no and low alcohol beers were not a passing trend but a “defining part” of the sector. However, the association warned that progress is being held back by the UK’s “restrictive” definition of alcohol-free, which currently requires beer to be below 0.05% ABV. This threshold contrasts with many other countries that define alcohol-free as 0.5% ABV.
BBPA calls for definition change to 0.5% ABV
Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “No and low popularity is booming and the category’s year-on-year success shows that it’s a category that’s here to stay. Brewers and pubs across the country are already responding to this by serving up great new options which help people choose moderation, if they wish. We need government to keep the momentum going by changing the alcohol-free definition to 0.5%. This will open the door to greater investment, keep us on par with international markets, and deliver even more options for people who choose to moderate – everyone wins.”
Brewers support the change
James Rabagliati, head brewer at Nirvana Brewery in Leyton, east London, said: “Like any brewery, summer is peak time for sales and the heatwave has had a very positive impact on ours – especially as some people are moderating their alcohol intake in higher temperatures. We’ve seen people either exclusively drinking alcohol-free beer such as our pils and fruit lagers, or ‘Zebra-striping’ where they’re alternating between us and alcoholic beers.”
Luke Boase, founder of Lucky Saint, added: “Summer sees demand for alcohol-free surge, as people spend longer socialising and enjoying the sun in pub gardens and parks, or watching the sport. We think the Government updating the alcohol-free definition to 0.5% will get more people drinking alcohol-free in this country, which can only be a good thing.”
Impact on the industry
The current 0.05% ABV threshold creates a barrier for British brewers seeking to enter the category, as it is more difficult and costly to produce beer with such low alcohol content. Changing the definition to 0.5% ABV would align the UK with international standards, potentially boosting investment and consumer choice. The BBPA argues that this move would help sustain the growth of the no and low alcohol market, which has become increasingly popular as more people choose to moderate their alcohol consumption.
