Danny Dyer says Brits can nonetheless take pleasure in a pint within the pub this January – with a twist
A new campaign, backed by Danny Dyer, is encouraging Brits to visit their local pub – even if they’re avoiding alcohol.
One-third of Brits are planning to give their local pub a miss this January, choosing to focus on health and fitness goals instead. But with pubs at risk, Danny Dyer is urging Brits to visit their local watering hole this January, even if they’re not drinking alcohol.
Over 400 pubs shut their doors permanently in 2024, bringing the total number of UK pubs down to less than 39,000 for the first time since records began. The industry is now bracing itself for a significant drop in sales as 21% of adults plan to abstain from alcohol this month.
Former Eastenders star, Danny Dyer, who portrayed Queen Vic landlord Mick Carter, is throwing his weight behind the ‘Pack Our Pubs’ initiative. The scheme will offer free pints of crisps to anyone buying an alcohol-free drink during January at 200 participating pubs across the UK.
To set an example, Dyer partnered with Walkers to serve crisp pints at The Chancellors on the aptly named Crisp Road in Hammersmith, London. “The local boozer is important, helping keep the community together,” the TV star commented.
“For some pubs, January is a really tough time and could be the final straw – how sad would you be if your local had to close down?” He added.
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He did express admiration for those taking part in the annual challenge saying ” it’s a great thing to do for your health – mind and body,” before adding: “But you can still get down to the local with your mates, even if you’re off the booze.”
The top reasons brits take part in Dry January is to boost physical health, save some money and kick off the year with a positive habit. Some 24% just want to test their willpower.
Over three quarters claim it’s entirely possible to go to the pub and have a perfectly good time, with no alcohol involved.
Seven out of 10 have pulled it off before, but a quarter reckon more non-alcoholic bevvies on tap would make it a breeze. Intriguingly, 18% reckon they’d dodge the drink easier if pubs served up healthier nibbles.
“It’s much easier to stick to your goals if you’re able to have fun at the same time,” quipped Cynthia Finke from Walkers. “Being able to support the pub industry at the same time is a bonus to boot.”
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