How the Hospitality Industry Can Embrace the Alcohol-Free Revolution
Hospitality is evolving. Where once the drinks menu was dominated by alcoholic options, today a new kid is on the block. From zero-proof spirits and craft alcohol-free beers to an ever-expanding range of great-tasting wines, alcohol-free drinks are no longer playing second fiddle — they’re stars in their own right.
This change isn’t happening in the margins; it’s reshaping menus, guest expectations, and the economics of modern hospitality. According to a 2025 report by Stonegate Group, low- and no-alcohol beer and cider sales rose by 32% in Q1 alone, with over 271,000 units sold across its UK venues so far this year. At the same time, draught no/low options now make up 1.7% of all pub beverage sales, reflecting the rising consumer demand for moderation and mindful choices.
As part of our mission to discover refined and refreshing ways to enjoy a jolly drink without the alcohol, we work closely with vendors who want to elevate their offering. Our mobile horsebox bar has become a statement piece at high-end events, and our supply service to restaurants, bars, and hotels gives them access to premium AF (alcohol-free) options their customers are actively looking for.
And the demand is only growing. Recent 2025 surveys show that nearly 1 in 4 UK adults are cutting back on alcohol or avoiding it altogether. (2025)
This isn’t a phase. It’s a transformation.
People want inclusion, not exclusion — and hospitality must evolve to meet them where they are. Offering premium, thoughtfully crafted alcohol-free drinks is no longer just a box to tick; it’s a competitive advantage. It gives non-drinkers and mindful drinkers alike a reason to linger, to feel welcome, and — crucially — to stay for another round.
At Bacchus and Hops, we see alcohol-free not as an alternative, but as an equal. As we continue partnering with forward-thinking venues, we’re proud to help shape a hospitality culture where taste, choice, and experience take centre stage, no matter what’s in your glass.
