UK alcohol‑free beer sales surge to 64 million pints as industry urges definition change

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) projects that UK pubs will sell more than 64 million pints of no‑ and low‑alcohol beer this summer, an increase of eight million on the previous year and part of a record‑breaking 200 million pints sold in 2025. Growth in the category has risen 870 % since 2013, though it still accounts for only about 3 % of the overall beer market. Industry leaders attribute the surge to hotter weather, the ongoing FIFA World Cup – which is expected to add another six million pints during the England‑Argentina semi‑final – and a broader move among consumers toward moderation.

The BBPA is pressing the UK government to revise the legal definition of “alcohol‑free” beer, which currently caps alcohol content at 0.05 % ABV. The association argues that raising the limit to 0.5 % ABV, the standard in many other countries, would remove a barrier for brewers, attract investment and keep the UK aligned with international markets. BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said the change would “open the door to greater investment, keep us on par with international markets, and deliver even more options for people who choose to moderate”. Brewers such as James Rabagliati of Nirvana Brewery and Lucky Saint founder Luke Boase echoed the call, noting the summer heat and World Cup matches have boosted sales of alcohol‑free options.

The sector hopes the regulatory shift will sustain the growth momentum and support a struggling pub industry facing rising costs and closures.