The trade association revealed it expects sales of low and no-alcohol beverages, such as beer, to soar as customers partake in a dry January but warned the vast majority of sales are expected to be in shops and supermarkets as opposed to pubs.
BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “It has been a torrid Christmas for pubs, which now need the support of the communities they serve in the difficult months ahead.
Perfect way to savour a pint
“I urge beer drinkers and pubgoers taking part in a dry January to still support their local. With such a great range of low and no-alcohol beers in pubs – including on draught – it’s the perfect way to still savour a pint this January.”
The BBPA has estimated pubs sold 37m fewer pints over Christmas, equating to about £300m worth of trade, with pubs having been decimated by coronavirus restrictions and the emergence of the Omicron variant.
January has always been a quieter month for pubs, with consumers reducing their visits as they abstain from alcohol, however, the BBPA has said it is vital Brits support their locals this month and beyond.
Boost for the sector
McClarkin added: “The range and quality of non-alcoholic beers in the UK has never been better, some are now available on tap in pubs, making them the perfect option for those doing dry January who are thirsty for a pint.
“If more of the 7.8m pints of non-alcoholic beer we expect to be consumed this January are sold in pubs, it will be a big boost for our sector.”
