The ComRes survey, commissioned by AB InBev UK, shows that almost half (49%) of British adults believe it is more socially acceptable to drink alcohol-free beer now than it was five years ago, while 59% said they would feel comfortable ordering it in front of their friends in a pub, bar or restaurant.
The study also reveals that 43% of British adults and more than half of men (54%) have tried the alcohol-free drink.
When asked to select a reason for choosing it, the most likely answers from the 2,050 people surveyed were that they were driving (46%) or they were curious (39%).
Regional breakdown
Punters in Yorkshire and Humberside were revealed to be the most willing to go alcohol-free with a beer (52%), while drinkers in Scotland (48%), East of England (47%) and West Midlands (46%) were also all above the national average in terms of trying the beverage.
Beck’s marketing manager Jennifer Anton said: “We’re really excited to see the results of the survey, and it is encouraging to see customers are comfortable ordering alcohol-free beers when out with friends."