Midlife drinkers' thirst for low and no alcohol drinks makes Dry January easier
Operators urged to implement Drinkaware research findings
As millions of people embark on a Dry January, new research from independent alcohol education charity Drinkaware reveals that two-thirds (66%) of midlife drinkers - aged 45 to 64 - have drunk, or would try, lower strength alcoholic drinks - an increase of 15 per cent in just two years.
Similarly, more than half (51%) of this age group have consumed, or would try, alcohol-free drinks - up from 48% last year.
Midlife UK drinkers were polled by YouGov in 2017, 2018 and 2019 as part of Drinkaware's ongoing mission to encourage people to cut down on their drinking, which includes taking more Drink Free Days each week.
Drinkaware Chief Executive Elaine Hindal said: "Midlife drinkers often get bad press when it comes to their drinking habits, but this new research tells us that a growing number of men and women in this age group are willing to embrace alternatives.
"People in their 40s, 50s and 60s are most at risk of alcohol-related health harms because they tend to drink more regularly and above the recommended guidelines. So it's great to see a strong increase over the last couple of years in people within this age group who feel positively about lower or no alcohol drinks.
"As huge numbers of people start January aiming to cut down on their drinking, low and alcohol-free drinks can be a powerful tool in helping them on that journey."
She added, "Smart operators will already be acting on these research findings by offering a good selection of no and low alcohol drinks in their pubs, clubs and bars. With the wide range of high quality drinks including beers, ciders, wines and spirit alternatives now available in this sector, it's never been easier to put together an appealing selection for customers.
"An interesting no and low alcohol offer means that people who choose to give up drink in January don't also have to give up going to the pub. By welcoming these customers, operators can keep their venues a little busier during what has traditionally been a very quiet month."
Drinkaware recommends staying within the Chief Medical Officers' low risk drinking guidelinesof not exceeding 14 units of alcohol per week and spreading these over three or more days.
Research from the Drinkaware Monitor 2018 also reveals that drinkers under the age of 45 feel more positively about lower strength alcoholic drinks than drinkers aged 45 and over.
More than two thirds (68%) of drinkers aged 18 to 44 say they either currently drink, have drunk, or would consider drinking lower strength drinks. This is compared with 61% of drinkers over the age of 45.
Drinkers both over and under the age of 45 have similar attitudes to alcohol-free substitutes: 47% of drinkers aged 18 to 44 say they drink non-alcoholic beer, wine or spirit substitutes. This is compared with 46% of drinkers over the age of 45.
For further information, visit www.drinkaware.co.uk