I recently went to a pub and was shocked when I was charged more for a 125ml glass of alcohol-free wine than I would have paid for a 175ml glass of its alcoholic counterpart. This experience opened my eyes to an issue that many people face in pubs, shops, and social settings: the limited range and high prices of alcohol-free options.

Numerous people, for various reasons including health, pregnancy, or personal preference, choose alcohol-free options. However, the exorbitant pricing of these beverages often pushes consumers back towards alcoholic choices, which somewhat defeats the purpose of offering a responsible alternative.

In pubs and social settings, the range of alcohol-free beverages is limited and the prices are almost at par with, if not higher than, alcoholic counterparts. Alcohol-free options, be they beer, wine, or spirits, often cost almost as much as regular alcoholic drinks in shops too, leaving customers with little financial incentive to choose them.

The demand for alcohol-free beverages is growing, and venues can benefit significantly by expanding their range and making these options more financially accessible. According to a 2022 report by Global Market Insights, the market size for non-alcoholic beverages is anticipated to exceed USD 1.4 trillion by 2025, showing increasing consumer interest and potential profit for businesses.

Let's encourage pubs, social venues, and retailers to recognize this growing demand and respond accordingly. By expanding the alcohol-free range and reducing prices, they can cater to a wider audience and build a more inclusive environment for their patrons.

Increasing the availability and consumption of alcohol-free drinks can reduce NHS demand by promoting healthier choices and moderating alcohol intake. Research shows that a wider selection of non-alcoholic drinks leads to more people choosing them, which can decrease the significant annual costs to the NHS associated with alcohol-related illnesses and hospital admissions. While more research is needed to determine if these drinks always replace alcoholic ones or are consumed in addition to them, promoting them is part of a multifaceted strategy to improve public health and reduce the burden on health service.

There is significant evidence that a reduction or prohibition of alcohol, particularly in public spaces and through the availability of alcohol-free products, helps reduce anti-social behaviour, violence, and public disorder. Alcohol can disinhibit behaviour, increase aggression, and contribute to antisocial outcomes, while restricting its consumption, such as through alcohol-free zones and public safety orders, has been shown to create safer communities and decrease crime and public disturbance. 

Increasing the availability and consumption of alcohol-free (AF) and low-alcohol (low-no) drinks can reduce drink driving by providing a viable alternative to alcohol, making it easier for people to avoid drinking and driving, especially for designated drivers. Evidence shows that low-no products help people moderate alcohol intake and avoid harms like drink-driving, with many consumers choosing these alternatives specifically to be able to drive safely. 

Please sign this petition to urge pubs, social venues, and shops to expand the alcohol-free selection and reduce prices, making these healthier choices more accessible to everyone. Together, we can foster an environment that supports all individuals in making choices that align with their health and lifestyle goals.