UK’s alcohol-free beer boom threatened by regulations, trade body warns
Summary
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) says that strict UK rules on what counts as alcohol-free beer are stopping pubs and brewers from growing the market. They want the government to raise the alcohol limit from 0.05% to 0.5%, which is common in other countries, to encourage more sales and investment in no- and low-alcohol beers.Key Facts
- Over 64 million pints of low- and no-alcohol beer are expected to be sold in the UK this summer, 8 million more than in 2025.
- The UK’s current legal limit for alcohol-free beer is 0.05% alcohol by volume, much lower than the 0.5% limit used in many other countries.
- Making beer with zero alcohol but keeping its taste and smell is very difficult and costly.
- No- and low-alcohol beer sales have grown by 870% in the UK since 2013.
- Brewers and the BBPA believe raising the alcohol limit to 0.5% would boost investment and expand the market.
- The trend is driven by younger people drinking less alcohol and the popularity of moderation during events like hot weather and football matches.
- The BBPA’s chief executive says changing the definition would help keep the UK competitive internationally and offer more choices to consumers.
- Lucky Saint, a no-alcohol beer brand, saw increased sales during the World Cup, showing demand for these drinks during social occasions.
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