THANK YOU FOR THE DAYS

By Steve Murphy

The times are a changing and the number of young people choosing not to drink alcohol is on the rise. According to recent figures from the charity Drinkaware, one in five under 25 year olds in the UK now report that they are teetotal, the highest figure on record.

Some say that there are now more non drinkers in their late teens and 20s than at any point in the last decade.

In fact NHS statistics for 2021 revealed that 38 per cent of 16 to 24 year olds and 21 per cent of 25 to 34 year olds in England either don’t drink or haven’t drunk in the last 12 months.

With figures like these perhaps it’s no surprise that as a nation we’re developing a thirst for low and no alcohol drink options; or that there’s a rise in demand for grown up, non boozy drinks that still have an authentic taste.

“We wanted beer without alcohol and anything other than zero felt like a compromise,” says Mike Gammell, co founder of alcohol free brewer, Days Brewing.

Gammell says that over the years he realised that his own relationship with alcohol had totally transformed.

“I love beer,” he says, “It has a unique ability to bring people together. You cheers it, you socialise with it – it opens up conversations and starts so many great moments. But we found ourselves turning away from those beer occasions because we didn’t want to put up with the adverse effects of alcohol and its impact on our body and mind.”

Millie Gooch (pictured), founder of the Sober Girls Society says it provides tips, resources and events for anyone who wants to drink less or give up entirely. She told ITV that she made the decision to quit drinking at the age of 26, after struggling with blackouts and what she describes as “horrendous hangover anxiety.”

Now five years sober, she says there isn’t a single part of her life that hasn’t improved since she made the change.

She told the broadcaster: “My physical (and mental) health is so much better, I have so much more energy and less brain fog, I can be present, my friendships have improved.

“In terms of finances, I bought a flat which I would have never been able to do in a million years if I was still drinking because that’s where all my money went.

“So I just have nicer stuff now, and I’m able to spend my money on holidays and things that I really love and can keep forever.”

Helpful Links

sobergirlsociety.com daysbrewing.com

NHS.co.uk bhf.org.uk merseycare.nhs.uk/self-help-guides

Calorie Countdown

There is no getting around the fact that alcohol contains calories, so in general cut the alcohol and you cut the calorie count. For example a pint of 4 percent beer carries around 182 calories compared to 75 calories for a 330ml bottle of alcohol free larger. There are 75 calories in a glass of prosecco (10.5% ABV); swop that for a glass of zero alcohol sparkling wine and your count drops to 35 calories. Red wine (12.5% ABV), weighs in at 90 calories per glass whilst the alcohol free version helps you to drop that to just 30.

(Source British Heart Foundation).

A CAUTIONARY NOTE…

Although certain aspects of low alcohol and alcohol free beers may be better for you, they should still be consumed in moderation. Just like regular beer, they may be high in carbs and may lead to weight gain and other health related issues.

Zeros All Round

Last year Global Brewer Heineken teamed up with ITV to ensure that regulars in the Woolpack and the Rovers Return can enjoy a pint of quality alcohol free draught lager. Dr Zoe Williams – who recently fronted ITV’s documentary Our NHS, which looks at the pivotal role played by black doctors in the health service – said: “The great British pub plays a key role in many of our lives, including the residents of Coronation Street and Emmerdale. Being able to head down to the local and have a pint of alcohol free beer with friends and family definitely means more people can be included and enjoy time together whilst drinking mindfully.”