University of York researchers are behind a project to get more no and low (NoLo) alcoholic drinks available in venues across York and North Yorkshire.
Point-of-sale materials were designed in collaboration with York St John University student Sam Armstrong
Launched at the CAMRA beer festival in York on 17 September, researchers from the University's School for Business and Society have developed a NoLo guide with the City of York Council to help publicans understand how and why to offer alcohol free options.
Collaboration
The project includes the development of free point-of-sale (POS) materials, designed in collaboration with York St John University student Sam Armstrong which build on the team's work showing the need to make NoLo more visible in hospitality venues.
The project is part of an initial pilot study to see if the POS material helps to encourage further sale of NoLo drinks in venues across the City. The team will be evaluating the effectiveness of the materials through questionnaires with publicans.
Alcohol-related harm continues to be a major public health issue, contributing to millions of deaths globally and costing the UK billions each year.
Policymakers
In response, no and low alcohol drinks have gained popularity as a potentially healthier alternative, with growing interest from both consumers and policymakers.
Dr Nadine Waehning, Senior Lecturer in Marketing in the School for Business and Society at the University of York said: "The CAMRA beer festival may seem an unusual place to kick start this project, but we have had a surprisingly positive response from publicans.
"NoLow drinks are more and more popular and publicans want to reflect the needs and tastes of their consumers.
"Our research explores how NoLo products can be used to support more mindful drinking habits without harming pubs or the wider drinks industry.
"Our research shows that NoLo drinks could support public health goals without financial downsides for pubs. This project provides practical guidance for venues and contributes valuable evidence to inform local and national alcohol policies.
Accessible
Co-project lead, Professor Victoria Wells, Professor of Sustainable Management in the School for Business and Society, added: "With more consumers looking for no and low alcohol products it's great to be able to launch a guide and materials that can help them be more visible and accessible. We hope publicans will find the materials useful and effective."
Ruth Hine, public health lead for the Council's drug and alcohol portfolio, said: "We're really pleased to support the work of the University of York and the research that they are doing in this area. This work not only broadens consumer options but also helps create more inclusive social environments.
"We believe this collaboration marks an important step in encouraging inclusivity and choice within licensed premises."
The two York landlords who worked on the guide welcomed the initiative.
Options
Paul Marshall, owner of Rook & Gaskill, said: "Adding a good quality no and low alcohol to our portfolio of beers has added a new level of experience to meet all our customers' needs."
Paul Crossman, owner of the Slip Inn and The Swan said: "Low and no drinks are an increasingly important option for pubs and bars as drinking habits evolve in the modern world. The quality and range of drinks on offer has improved greatly in response, and we are able to access and stock a really interesting range of excellent independent options as a result."
