OPINION: Alcohol is a force for good

It was a completely different culture when we enjoyed a calabash of Burukutu – a millet and guinea corn beer brewed by Blessing, a local brewster.

I was working as a volunteer in the neighbouring national park and the experience led to me travelling across Africa, sponsored by Guinness Worldwide, investigating the role of locally brewed alcoholic drinks and the social settings in which they were drunk.

During my journey, I witnessed time and again how local brews brought people together to relax over a drink, discussing issues important (and trivial) to the community.

Recognising this global experience of drinking a fermented brew certainly influenced me, persuading me to set up Stroud Brewery and its taproom, now a hub of community activities.

This aspect of alcohol isn’t often discussed. Most conversations focus on negative health effects, such as high blood pressure, strokes and dementia. These risks are real but usually linked to overconsumption and often considered in isolation.

Universal human desire​

The sense of belonging and shared enjoyment in a communal setting, like a pub, is equally important. Why else was one of America’s most popular TV series set in a bar, with the famous catchphrase: “Where everyone knows your name?” Cheers​ tapped into a universal human desire for a place where we are accepted and welcomed.

This dimension was explored by Oxford University researchers who examined the benefits of moderate alcohol consumption. Given the well-known risks of alcohol, why, they wondered, do humans continue to use it so widely? Results revealed that people frequenting a local pub feel more socially engaged, more content and are more likely to trust others in their community.

Conversely, those with no regular pub had smaller social networks felt less engaged with, and trusting of, their local communities. 

Moreover, social drinking encourages active participation. Visits to local pubs tend to be in smaller groups, which promotes more meaningful group conversations.

Deeper conversations can help break down barriers, challenge stereotypes and foster innovative ideas. In contrast, people in city centre bars often drink in larger groups and engage in less substantial discussions. Plus, growing evidence indicates loneliness and isolation is influential in earlier mortality, emphasising the importance of these communal spaces.

For the readers of The Morning Advertiser​, this isn’t news. We know pubs serve more than alcohol and adapt to changing situations like the current demand for lower-strength beers.

Draught relief needed​

However, the places where we can meet are dwindling. It’s time for the decision-makers to recognise this and take action.

The Society of Independent Brewers & Associates (SIBA) recently launched a manifesto highlighting barriers to long-term security of independent breweries.

An increase of draught relief from 9.2% to at least 20% is one of the changes called for. This could encourage people to support their community pubs, fostering more social drinking rather than staying at home. There was a time when a shop bought beer was about half the price of a beer in a pub but now supermarket beer can be four to five times cheaper than a pub.

Additionally, 2,251 jobs could be created, 20m more pints sold and £70m generated for the economy.

I can’t imagine a future without welcoming meeting spaces with great food and drink (preferably draught beer) and as our pubs change, adapt and redefine their role in our community, they need support.

If you agree, now is the time to act: support SIBA’s campaign and reach out to your local MP to protect the future of our community pubs.