The Rise of Low Alcohol Pubs: Why This £1 Billion Trend Could Be Your Next Big Opportunity
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The Rise of Low Alcohol Pubs: Why This £1 Billion Trend Could Be Your Next Big Opportunity

Could a drink without the booze be the key to a booming pub business?

Ten years ago, most people would’ve scoffed at the idea of ordering a non-alcoholic beer on a night out. But in 2025, the no & low alcohol movement isn’t just a passing fad, it’s a £1 billion opportunity that’s reshaping the way the UK drinks. And more importantly, it’s changing how we run pubs.

If you’ve ever considered becoming a publican or wondered whether now is the right time to run a pub, the low-alcohol trend could be your perfect entry point into a reinvented industry, one that’s more inclusive, innovative, and exciting than ever.

The Low & No Boom: A Cultural Shift

Let’s look at the facts. The no and low alcohol market grew by 23% in UK hospitality in 2023, with demand more than doubling since 2019. Driven by Gen Z and Millennials, this growth is about more than health; it’s about choice. People want to go out, socialise, enjoy great food and drink, but without the next-day regret.

According to the IWSR and industry analysts, the UK’s no & low alcohol sector is now valued close to £1 billion, with no signs of slowing down.

This shift has created a new kind of venue: the low alcohol pub. These are not dry venues. They still serve pints and prosecco, but they do so alongside crafted mocktails, premium alcohol-free beers, kombuchas, and artisan sodas. They cater to a generation that values balance, experience, and wellness.

And the good news? You don’t need to be a drinks expert to tap into it; you just need the right mindset.

Why This Trend Matters to Future Publicans

Running a pub today isn’t about pulling pints from dusk till dawn. It’s about building a business that feels relevant to modern audiences. And right now, modern audiences are asking for choice.

Here’s why this trend is worth your attention if you’re thinking about becoming a publican:

1. It Expands Your Audience

Low alcohol pubs appeal to:

  • Young professionals seeking mindful nights out

  • Pregnant women and new parents

  • Designated drivers

  • The growing sober-curious movement

  • Religious communities that abstain from alcohol

This opens your doors to a wider customer base, and helps turn your pub into a true community space.

2. You Can Host New Kinds of Events

Think NoLo tasting nights, sober speed dating, alcohol-free cocktail masterclasses, book clubs with kombucha pairings, or morning yoga followed by brunch and virgin Bloody Marys. These aren’t just “alternative” ideas, they’re the reason your venue stays busy on a Tuesday night.

3. It Builds Loyalty

Customers who feel seen and included come back again and again. Offering a well-thought-out low/no menu tells people you care about everyone in your pub, not just the ones with a pint in hand.

“But I Don’t Know Anything About NoLo Drinks…”

You don’t have to. We’ll teach you. When you run a pub with us, you’ll have access to training, the support of your regional manager, and marketing tools to help bring your ideas to life. You’ll also be joining a network of publicans across the UK who are experimenting, adapting, and thriving together.

Ready to Run a Pub That Reflects the Future?

The rise of low alcohol pubs isn’t about changing everything you know about running a pub. It’s about evolving with your audience and creating a space that works for more people, more of the time.

If you’ve ever wanted to run a pub, but weren’t sure if it was “your scene”, this might be your moment. Because today’s pubs are flexible, creative, and full of opportunity. And whether you’re into kombucha or cocktails, there’s a place for you here.

Explore our pub opportunities today 👉 Click Here
Join a new wave of publicans who are redefining what it means to run a pub.

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