Many people working in bars and pubs would like to drink less or stop completely but struggle to find helpful resources, those behind the project said.
They described it as the UK’s first behavioural, science-based online tool for mindful drinking and said it would be tailored specifically for people in the industry.
The project has been described an online programme that bar staff can use alongside fitness tracking and wellbeing apps, as well as with employers’ own schemes.
It will offer users content such as daily articles with weekly missions and booster packs, and goal setting, tracking and coaching support.
Lack of confidence
Many employees in the sector are not confident about how to reduce their intake as it stands, according to Club Soda co-founder Laura Willoughby MBE.
She said: “A growing number of Club Soda members work in the hospitality industry and find their drinking can creep up over time. And their working environment can make it more difficult when wanting to drink more mindfully.
"People want to stay in the career they love, but also stay healthy and happy.
“We want to give the hospitality sector a solution that is tailor-made for the industry, and that everyone can signpost staff to with confidence.”
A pilot of the digital tool will be launched towards the end of the year.
Changing norms
It has received financial backing from Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I (which was rebranded from AB InBev), in addition to research funding from the Wellcome Trust, in partnership with Big Society Capital, Bethnal Green Ventures and Zinc.
Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I director of legal and corporate affairs Andrew Whiting added: “This joint project with Club Soda supports our ambition to foster a smart drinking culture in the UK, as well as our focus on changing social norms around harmful drinking.
“We are excited about the opportunities this presents for our customers in the hospitality sector as a way to encourage mindful drinking habits among their staff.”
Research from The Benevolent, a mental health organisation for those in the licensed trade, found that two in 10 respondents had experienced substance abuse in order to cope with work stress.