Go Sober? The effect going sober for charity has on our pubs.

Go Sober?

You can't have failed to notice campaigns which encourage people to raise money for charity by abstaining from alcohol for a month. CAMRA has recently responded to these campaigns, addressing concerns that they may harm pubs during a time when they need support from customers more than ever.

Of course, no-one in CAMRA wishes to harm fundraising efforts by charities, and we support anyone choosing to moderate their alcohol intake. It's worth remembering that pubs and clubs are the home of responsible drinking and ideally these challenges should aim to support them. For example, encouraging pub-goers who choose to take part to switch to no or low alcohol alternatives, rather than avoiding the pub altogether.

We believe that moderate drinking can be part of a healthy lifestyle. Visiting pubs and clubs has social and wellbeing benefits, and we want to encourage people to enjoy this year round, as well as enjoying both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks there. Many pubs offer a great range of non-alcoholic beers and soft drinks, and we'd like to see pubs offering more of these options to increase consumer choice.

Wouldn't it be great if the charities that run these challenges and initiatives could also recognise the social and wellbeing benefits of pubs and clubs, and highlight the range of no and low alcohol options available to consumers.