Cheers to the rise of great quality low and no alcohol beer

As a country pub, we like to look after our designated drivAs a country pub, we like to look after our designated drivers.

Customers will always find a good range of low and no alcohol beers in our well-stocked fridges.

Who remembers those early low alcohol beers? The ones that tasted nothing like beer.

Thankfully, things have changed. In July, we read a report from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said sales of ‘no and low’ beers have hit record highs.

It is forecast that sales for June, July, and August, will hit 64 million pints, around 8 million more than in 2025.

The BBPA says that while sales are strong, they are held back by definition. Currently, a drink must be 0.05% ABV or less to be called alcohol free, while in the rest of Europe, this figure is a higher 0.5%.

The BBPA says a change will lead to more innovation and product choice.

BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “No and low popularity is booming and the category’s year-on-year success shows that it’s a category that’s here to stay.

“Brewers and pubs across the country are already responding to this by serving up great new options which help people choose moderation, if they wish.

“We need government to keep the momentum going by changing the alcohol-free definition to 0.5%. This will open the door to greater investment, keep us on par with international markets, and deliver even more options for people who choose to moderate – everyone wins.”

The government says they are ready to consider change.

A spokesperson said: “The government recognises the role no- and low-alcohol products can play in helping people reduce their alcohol intake and in boosting public health,” they said.

“To support innovation in this area and help businesses thrive, we are considering changing the threshold at which a drink may be described as alcohol-free. We have engaged with a range of stakeholders on this issue, including the BBPA. We will take other public health considerations into account and update in due course.”

Whatever happens, you will be welcome to enjoy a low alcohol cold one at the Fox and Goose.ers.

Customers will always find a good range of low and no alcohol beers in our well-stocked fridges.

Who remembers those early low alcohol beers? The ones that tasted nothing like beer.

Thankfully, things have changed. In July, we read a report from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said sales of ‘no and low’ beers have hit record highs.

It is forecast that sales for June, July, and August, will hit 64 million pints, around 8 million more than in 2025.

The BBPA says that while sales are strong, they are held back by definition. Currently, a drink must be 0.05% ABV or less to be called alcohol free, while in the rest of Europe, this figure is a higher 0.5%.

The BBPA says a change will lead to more innovation and product choice.

BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said: “No and low popularity is booming and the category’s year-on-year success shows that it’s a category that’s here to stay.

“Brewers and pubs across the country are already responding to this by serving up great new options which help people choose moderation, if they wish.

“We need government to keep the momentum going by changing the alcohol-free definition to 0.5%. This will open the door to greater investment, keep us on par with international markets, and deliver even more options for people who choose to moderate – everyone wins.”

The government says they are ready to consider change.

A spokesperson said: “The government recognises the role no- and low-alcohol products can play in helping people reduce their alcohol intake and in boosting public health,” they said.

“To support innovation in this area and help businesses thrive, we are considering changing the threshold at which a drink may be described as alcohol-free. We have engaged with a range of stakeholders on this issue, including the BBPA. We will take other public health considerations into account and update in due course.”

Whatever happens, you will be welcome to enjoy a low alcohol cold one at the Fox and Goose.