Rounds carried out as ‘zebra stripers’ alternate between booze and alcohol-free drinks
Getting a round in could become a thing of the past.
Pub-goers are alternating between alcoholic and booze-free drinks in a trend dubbed “zebra striping”. A quarter of revellers use the rotation tactic to moderate their drinking and stay hydrated, a study says.
It found 80% of under-25s are getting a boozy bevvy in, followed by a soft drink, so they don’t get too smashed. But drinkers fear it could see the end of getting a round – with tightwads only going to the bar when it’s time for soft drinks.
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One said: “If you’re really sly you can make sure you always get your round in, but for almost half the price.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Research outfit KAM also found more than one in three trips to pubs and eateries are now alcohol-free.
The report for zero-beer firm Lucky Saint also found 16% of respondents had tried low or no-alcohol beer for the first time in the past year.
Lucky Saint founder Luke Boase said: “This report shows the way people are moderating is continuing to evolve… people are even alternating alcoholic and alcohol-free drinks.”
According to KAM Insights, more than one in five 18-24s claim to not drink alcohol, the highest of any age group. The report also found that 53% of 18 to 24-year-olds report visiting a pub or bar once a week or more.
With over one in three pubs visits by UK adults being alcohol-free, the report highlighted how the UK’s love for the pub continues to endure. The figures show that whilst younger people’s consumption of alcohol declines, the pub remains cemented as the place for social connection.
There is a clear demand from younger people for quality alcohol-free options, with 68% saying they have left a venue early or disappointed due to poor low and no options, in the last three months.
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