UK: New survey shows increasing social acceptance of non-alcoholic beer in the UK

A new survey has revealed that non-alcoholic beer is increasingly socially acceptable in the UK.

According to industry data published for the first time on August 25, sales in supermarkets and off-licences have risen by almost 10 per cent in the past year as drinkers attempt to reduce their alcohol intake.

The new research indicates that almost half of people – 49 per cent of British adults – believe alcohol-free beer is more socially acceptable than it was five years ago. This research is backed up by industry data showing significant growth – 8.4 per cent – during 2013-14.

The findings are the result of a ComRes survey for AB InBev UK, which also indicated that 43 per cent of British adults have tried alcohol-free beer, with more than half of men (54 per cent) having consumed the beverage.

In addition, 59 per cent said they would feel comfortable ordering alcohol-free beer in front of friends in a pub or restaurant.

The most likely reasons for trying alcohol-free beer given by the British public were that they were driving (46 per cent) or they were curious (39 per cent).

The most popular alcohol-free beer is Beck’s Blue, brewed by AB InBev, whose sales outside of licensed premises have risen by 20 per cent in the past year.

Low alcohol or alcohol-free beer has been around since the Middle Ages, when it was often drunk as a substitute for contaminated water. During the Prohibition era in America the law was changed to prohibit the sale of any beer stronger than 0.5 per cent alcohol.

27 August, 2014