Shop staff can help by knowing the facts on low alcohol drinks, says charity

Some of the advice is based on what “alcohol-free” and “low alcohol” means because research has shown that people have a poor understanding of them.

For drinks produced in the UK, low alcohol drinks refer to those which have an ABV (alcoholic strength by volume) of between 0.05 and 1.2%.

Drinks classified as alcohol-free may contain a small amount of alcohol but only at a strength of 0.05% or less.

Reduced or lower strength drinks have an alcohol content lower than the average strength of a particular type of drink – wine with an ABV strength of 5.5%, is a reduced alcohol wine, as opposed to a low alcohol wine.

Retailers should be aware that because all these drinks may still contain a low amount of alcohol they are not suitable for someone who is avoiding alcohol completely, but can help substantially reduce the amount of alcohol consumed.

Adam Jones, Drinkaware’s business development and partnerships director, said: “For many of us, New Year represents a chance to set new goals or improve our health and wellbeing.

“There is a wider range of alcohol-free or lower strength drinks available in the off-trade than ever before, something that can directly appeal to customers looking to cut down in 2022.

“We know from our research, however, that the terminology around alcohol-free and lower strength drinks isn’t always well understood.”

The full advice is available at drinkaware.co.uk/news/have-the-facts-to-hand-to-offer-advice-on-alcohol-free-and-lower-strength-drinks