Publicans can revive trade by catering for people who don’t drink alcohol

THE advertising campaign by publicans designed to encourage patrons back to pub life is an indication of how worried they are about falling trade.

Given the problems facing the trade and the greatly increased awareness of the consequences of drink driving, it is surprising so few of them have realised the potential of providing an adequate service for the non-drinker.

A look of astonishment, and sometimes even disdain, is not unusual when a customer asks for a non-alcoholic drink. Invariably, there is only one brand on offer and that’s usually hidden under the counter.

A recent visit to a pub in south Co Dublin proved a refreshing exception. An impressive menu of drinks was available offering a range of non-alcoholic beverages including cocktails, beers, lagers and even a non-alcoholic cider.

I believe there is great opportunity for publicans who take this end of the trade seriously by stocking a full range of non-alcoholic beers and lagers.

The cost of such products is at least equal to alcohol so the trade wouldn’t lose out and it would tempt back many people who don’t drink but do enjoy socialising in pubs.

Anthony Sheridan

1 Carraig Eoin

Cobh

Co Cork