What's happened
Breweries report record sales of no- and low-alcohol beer as the UK market grows 870% since 2013, with more than 64 million pints forecast this summer. The BBPA urges changing the definition of alcohol-free from 0.05% ABV to 0.5% to unlock further investment and momentum while noting regulatory barriers.
What's behind the headline?
Key angles to watch
- Growth trajectory: 870% volume increase since 2013 positions no- and low-alcohol beer as the sector’s leading growth driver.
- Regulatory bottlenecks: The 0.05% ABV threshold is seen as a hurdle to investment and broader market entry, contrasting with 0.5% in many other markets.
- Consumer behavior: Heatwaves and long social durations are correlating with higher interest in moderated drinking and alcohol-free options.
Questions for readers
- How will changing the ABV threshold affect your drinking choices this summer?
- Will manufacturers prioritize alcohol-free options if regulations shift?
- Are pubs ready to expand alcohol-free menus to meet demand?
How we got here
The BBPA has highlighted a dramatic rise in no- and low-alcohol beer, calling it a defining sector growth and pressing for a higher 0.5% ABV threshold to align with international norms. Industry voices from Nirvana Brewery and Lucky Saint support moderation trends and summer upticks in demand.
Our analysis
Independent (UK): Emma McClarkin argues for a 0.5% ABV threshold to sustain momentum; Nirvana Brewery and Lucky Saint executives describe summer demand and moderation trends. The Guardian and Scotsman report similar forecasts and industry concerns; all cite the BBPA data showing 870% growth since 2013 and a forecast of 64m pints this summer.
Go deeper
- Will the government adjust the 0.05% ABV rule to 0.5%?
- Is the rising popularity of no- and low-alcohol beer changing pub menus this season?
- What impact could this regulatory shift have on small breweries?
More on these topics
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United Kingdom - Country in Europe
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northÂwestern coast of the European mainland.
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Pub
A pub, or public house, is an establishment licensed to serve alcoholic drinks for consumption on the premises. The term public house first appeared in the late 17th century, and was used to differentiate private houses from those which were, quite litera
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Emma McClarkin - Former Member of the European Parliament
Emma McClarkin, is a British Conservative Party politician who served as a Member of the European Parliament for the East Midlands region from 2009 to 2019. She was first elected in 2009, and re-elected in 2014. She was a spokesman for international trade