Growing pains: What is needed to help the no- and low-alcohol drinks category come of age?

Cannabinoid (CBD) drinks and "functional" drinking are on the rise – indeed, the latter is enjoying a 38% year-on-year increase in the UK, according to Eoin Keegan, Co-Founder & CEO at Goodrays. His drinks are even available as part of the Waitrose meal deal at the moment. For this week's episode, Ollie and Cess dive into the CBD space with a fascinating interview with Eoin and Brendan Williams, Co-Founder and CEO of NuWave AF Beer.The pair discuss the calming effects of these drinks and their many related benefits, and look ahead to the future of socialising across the globe. For non-drinkers, more "third spaces" that don't revolve around booze are popping up.Booze News items:i (via MSN): How quitting alcohol benefits your body after a day, a month and a year (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/health/other/how-quitting-alcohol-benefits-your-body-after-a-day-a-month-and-a-year/ar-AA1rRJmc)i: I gave up drinking and discovered who I really am (https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/gave-up-drinking-discovered-who-really-am-3299240?ico=most_popular)

Ollie and Cess join Lou Pollitt, Category and Insights Director at Lucky Saint, for a 5-kilometre run around Regent's Park in London. This is a regular community-building event for the leading alcohol-free beer brand, which has rocketed since its establishment in 2018.The trio meets at the Lucky Saint pub, the company's headquarters, to discuss drinking trends and plans for the coming years – plus the secret to the brand's success.There is also a post-run snippet with Jonty Brown, Founder of Run Unlimited, who led the community run. He has an interesting and inspiring story you should listen to.Also, for Just the Tonic, Cess does something very unexpected – and quite beautiful.Booze News items:Yorkshire Evening Post: Go Sober in October: Going out without alcohol in Yorkshire just got easier (https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/community/go-sober-in-october-going-out-without-alcohol-in-yorkshire-just-got-easier-4800961)Huffington Post: 10 Powerful Things You Can Do To Support Your Sober Partner (https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/supporting-sober-partner-powerful_l_66f5a7a5e4b08b9c8c8c9cbc) New York Post: Kris Kristofferson once thought he’d be dead by 30: ‘I was a functioning alcoholic’ (https://nypost.com/2024/09/30/entertainment/kris-kristofferson-once-thought-hed-be-dead-by-30/)i: I regret going sober – I’m happier now I’m a moderate drinker (https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/regret-going-sober-happier-moderate-drinker-3299144?ico=in-line_link)#soberjourney#sobercurious#soberadvice#sobriety#UpperBottomPodcast#soberrunning#NoLowDrinkTrends#sobermovement#luckysaint

Over 5,000 adults were surveyed for the annual Drinkaware Monitor – since 2009, the UK’s only national survey that provides an insight into the country’s drinking habits, according to the official bumph.The 2024 Monitor, published on Sept 26, shows:Nine in ten UK drinkers moderate their drinking – up from 87% in 2023 and 84% in 2018Yet in five (19%) UK drinkers – around eight million people – are exceeding the UK Chief Medical Officers' low-risk drinking guidelines, and putting their health at serious riskSome 28% of people have been concerned about someone else's drinking in the last 12 monthsAnd there are plenty more findings to discuss in a report that is 76 pages long. Luckily, Cess and Ollie are joined by Drinkaware CEO Karen Tyrell to discuss it all. Additionally, there is a plug for Ollie's latest column for Low No Drinker Magazine – issue 10 came out over the weekend. Editor Denise has kindly offered Upper Bottom listeners a 20% discount by using the code UPPER20. Enjoy!Finally, with it being the first of the month, perhaps you would like to participate in a no-drinking October? Maybe you want to raise money for cancer research at the same time? This week's Just the Tonic flags how you can "Go Sober" this October, and raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support: https://www.gosober.org.uk/. Good luck! Booze News items:Hummus societies, sober spa evenings and macramé crafts nights: How Gen-Z students are ditching the booze this freshers' week (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13903727/Gen-Z-students-ditching-booze-freshers-week-Hummus-societies.html)The Independent: The disturbing (and extremely sobering) story behind the anti-alcohol movement (https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/wine-alcohol-health-movendi-who-templars-b2616361.html)CNN (via MSN): Some experts are calling for age restrictions on the sale of nonalcoholic drinks. Here’s why (https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/nutrition/some-experts-are-calling-for-age-restrictions-on-the-sale-of-nonalcoholic-drinks-here-s-why/ar-AA1qTURW)Daily Mail: It's no beer Keir! As Labour reveal latest attack on booze, how Starmer's nanny state drive to 'boost health' threatens to decimate Britain's hospitality industry (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13884921/Its-no-beer-Keir-Labour-reveal-latest-attack-booze-Starmers-nanny-state-drive-boost-health-threatens-decimate-Britains-hospitality-industry.html)#soberjourney#sobercurious#soberadvice#sobriety#UpperBottomPodcast#NoLowDrinkTrends#sobermovement#drinkaware

Cess and Ollie invite Cami Vidal, Founder of La Maison Wellness, and Gaby Lamb, Co-Founder (with her husband) of 6PERCENT, to discuss a new alcohol-free subcategory: light.The interview – which takes place in Ollie's kitchen (as everyone is based in south-east London) – covers drinking trends, how long it takes to develop a 6% wine that people are happy with, predictions about the future of socialising, and plenty of advice for fellow Upper Bottoms. And much more. It's an episode you won't want to miss, as it's packed full of insights.Cami even brings around some sparkling tea, offering a tasty alternative to drinking. And there is the usual Booze News and Just the Tonic – but this is shorter than usual, as the interview was too good to distill too much! Booze News items:Guardian: Pint of no return? Two-thirds measure could boost English health – study (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/sep/17/pint-two-thirds-beer-measure-english-health-study-pubs)Daily Mail: The four coded questions doctors ask to uncover a hidden alcohol problem (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13854961/coded-questions-doctor-alcoholic-addiction-secret.html) Morning Advertiser: Big Drop is meeting the challenge of low & no on draught (https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2024/09/16/big-drop-talks-about-adding-a-low-no-draught-line-at-a-pub)Telegraph (via MSN): I took a pill to help fix my drinking problem (https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/i-took-a-pill-to-help-fix-my-drinking-problem/ar-AA1qCq9M)#soberjourney#lighteralcoholfree#sobercurious#soberadvice#sobriety#UpperBottomPodcast#NoLowDrinkTrends#sobermovement#sober

Ollie and Dan have been busy attending various no- and low-alcohol events, and they are wearing Upper-bottom t-shirts, of course. Here, they capture some of the main takeaways from Drink It In and the Club Soda Low, Light & Alcohol-Free Summit. So, where is the category right now? And what needs to happen to help it grow? Plus, what is the future of socialising? Is it nootropics bars? We'd love to know your thoughts (via a rambling, stream-of-consciousness voice note, if possible).Booze News features sober dating apps, sober freshers' weeks, sober raving, and Mash Gang's acquisition – and going-on-tangents galore. (What's your favourite emoji?) Booze News items:STV: Sober clubbing: Rise in ravers enjoying alcohol-free nights out(https://news.stv.tv/west-central/sober-clubbing-rise-in-ravers-enjoying-alcohol-free-nights-out) Epigram: Socialising as a sober student this Freshers’ Week (https://epigram.org.uk/socialising-as-a-sober-student-this-freshers-week/)TechCrunch: Drybaby is a dating app for the ‘sober curious’ movement (https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/10/drybaby-new-sober-dating-app-betting-on-surge-in-sober-curious-movement/)The Grocer: Mash Gang acquired by alcohol-free beverage group DioniLife (https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/finance/mash-gang-acquired-by-alcohol-free-beverage-group-dionilife/695456.article) #soberjourney#clubsoda#sobercurious#nootropics#soberadvice#sobriety#UpperBottomPodcast#NoLowDrinkTrends#sobermovement#sober

The hosts catch up with Jack, aka Kickingthecans on Instagram. He previously featured in one of Upper Bottom's most popular episodes, Final whistle: Why is watching football so boozy, and what's it like sober? Now Jack has reached the milestone of a year sober. And, although he won't be celebrating as such, life is good – and much better than it was 12 months ago. His mental health is considerably improved, his relationships are stronger, and – even if he has changed, a little – he is not missing the booze at all.The difference between the before – losing all memory for four hours on his uncle's stag do (was he in a car park, as his phone suggests?) – and after is incredible. With the year up, it triggers memories of early sobriety for Ollie and Cess, and the trio offer many insights for those thinking about kicking the cans.Tom Daley and Elle Macpherson feature in Booze News – as does the revelation that Ollie used to also be known, very briefly, as "the body". Booze News items: The Caterer: Pub owners believe outdoor smoking ban would risk closures(https://www.thecaterer.com/news/pub-owners-believe-outdoor-smoking-ban-would-risk-closures)Daily Mail: Elle Macpherson reveals she still attends regular AA meetings following her decision to quit alcohol 20 years ago: 'Without being sober, I wouldn't be here’ (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-13804345/Elle-Macpherson-AA-meetings-sobriety.html)Guardian: UK MPs urged to give up freebies from tobacco, alcohol and junk food firms (https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/aug/30/uk-mps-urged-to-give-up-freebies-from-tobacco-alcohol-and-junk-food-firms)Mirror: Retired diver Tom Daley sports knitted trunks with a safety message to swimmers (https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/tom-daley-swimming-alcohol-awareness-33460487)#soberjourney#soberadvice#sobriety#UpperBottomPodcast#NoLowDrinkTrends#sobermovement#sober 

For many, September ushers in the end of summer and a halt to holiday indulgence. It's the second reset month of the year after January, and that means reflection, positive change, detoxification, and possibly action.Cess and Ollie have both been active, with the former bagging a couple of Munros in the Highlands and the latter bettering Dame Kelly Holmes in the Big Half. The hosts offer words of wisdom to those thinking about quitting booze this month, and also talk about the growing trend of non-alcoholic drinks, including Guinness 0.0%, and the potential for these drinks to outsell their alcoholic counterparts.NB Discount code for Drink it In Festival: PICMED-DRINKITIN-15 (via https://www.drinkitinfestival.com/) – we'll be there on Sept 6. Booze News items:This is Money (via MSN): Non-alcoholic Guinness could outsell the real thing, says Diageo (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/foodanddrink/other/will-non-alcoholic-guinness-outdo-the-real-thing/ar-AA1ppz6l) Evening Standard: The Devonshire in Soho becomes Great Britain’s first pub to serve Guinness 0.0 on tap (https://www.standard.co.uk/going-out/bars/the-devonshire-guinness-0-0-tap-keg-b1178790.html)Daily Mail: 'The end of pubs': Farage leads furious backlash at Labour's 'nanny state' OUTDOOR smoking ban plans - which will ban people from lighting up in beer gardens, near football grounds and in children's parks (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13790649/end-pubs-backlash-Labours-nanny-state-OUTDOOR-smoking-ban-beer-gardens-football-grounds-childrens-parks.html) Morning Advertiser: Gen Z drinking less alcohol but still visiting the on-trade (https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2024/08/22/gen-z-drinking-less-alcohol-but-still-visiting-on-trade)#summerholidays#septmeberreset#sobriety#soberevents#UpperBottomPodcast#NoLowDrinkTrends#sobermovement#sober

In this week's episode, just before schools reopen their doors for the new term, Ollie and Cess reflect on recent overseas holidays and how sobriety and drinking cultures vary in different countries – and how they have evolved. Special attention is paid to Ollie's experiences at a much-loved family retreat on the grape-growing slopes in Perpignan. Meanwhile, Cess takes a detailed look at Sweden, particularly the broader role the state has taken in regulating the supply of alcohol to its citizens.There is also an item late on about the top five destinations for sober people – and the best-ranking country might surprise you. Booze News items:BBC: Plan to serve alcohol at water park from 08:00 (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9qgvjel25xo) The Sun: BOOZY JACUZZI UK’s first BEER spa launched where booze fans can bathe in ale and sup pints in the jacuzzi (https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/29947621/uk-first-beer-spa-norfolk-mead-hotel/)The Sun: TOAST YOUR FLIGHT Surprisingly high percentage of holiday Brits who enjoy airport breakfast beer before jetting off revealed (https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/29924767/brits-enjoy-airport-breakfast-beer/)Gallup: Alcohol Consumption Increasingly Viewed as Unhealthy in U.S. (https://news.gallup.com/poll/648413/alcohol-consumption-increasingly-viewed-unhealthy.aspx) #summerholidays#sobriety#soberevents#UpperBottomPodcast#NoLowDrinkTrends#sobermovement#sober

Refreshed after a summer break, Cess and Ollie speak with Martyn Davies, organiser of Sober is Fun (https://www.soberisfun.co.uk/), the UK's first regular sober comedy event, and Ben Jolliffe, who runs Feed the Fire (https://feedthefire.me/dancing), a no-drink or drugs rhythmic dance focused on freedom and connection.Both interviewees stopped drinking (and taking drugs) after being subjected to family interventions. Now, though, they are enjoying the freedom of being sober and looking to encourage others through the events they facilitate. Their timing is good, given that 34% of employees avoid work socials due to alcohol, according to a Booze News item, and there is a growing demand for venues that offer alcohol-free options and activities, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and included.Here is a recent playlist from one of Ben's Feed the Fire events: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4kRMmbITmmiaQGm60bFbWU?si=r4UNikNESQCm-8izcBKtUA&pi=e-lO1NqcnnSTG9 And here is the ticket site for Martyn's next Sober is Fun event, on September 22 –  https://www.designmynight.com/london/bars/bethnal-green/backyard-comedy-club/the-london-alcohol-free-comedy-club-7?t=tickets – perhaps see you there? Booze News items:The Independent (via MSN): Study looks at if the French Paradox of a glass of wine a day is actually a myth (https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/nutrition/study-looks-at-if-the-french-paradox-of-a-glass-of-wine-a-day-is-actually-a-myth/ar-BB1qABfs)Harpers: MP urges government to address non-alcoholic drink prices (https://harpers.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/33135/MP_urges_government_to_address_non-alcoholic_drink_prices.html) Lovebscott via MSN: Ben Affleck Reportedly Decided To Divorce Jennifer Lopez Because Her ‘Fame and Lifestyle Was Putting His Hard-Won Sobriety at Risk’: ‘He Had to Leave to Avoid Relapse’ (https://www.msn.com/en-us/movies/celebrity/ben-affleck-reportedly-decided-to-divorce-jennifer-lopez-because-her-fame-and-lifestyle-was-putting-his-hard-won-sobriety-at-risk-he-had-to-leave-to-avoid-relapse/ar-AA1oKqiw)HR News: Sober Parties Lead the Way in the UK with 639% Surge in Non-Alcoholic Drink Demand (https://hrnews.co.uk/sober-parties-lead-the-way-in-the-uk-with-639-surge-in-non-alcoholic-drink-demand/)#summerholidays#sobriety#soberevents#UpperBottomPodcast#NoLowDrinkTrends#sobermovement#sober#sobercomedy#soberdancing

Before taking a well-earned summer break, the podcast hosts Ollie and Cess interview Sean Halpin, a 24-year old who divides his time between Munich and Manchester. He has also just hit one year of sobriety, too. Congratulations, Sean!Sean is an aficionado of Bavarian beer and enthusiastic about the trend for sober curiosity in Germany and plenty of no-alcohol options. He also reveals some very interesting reasons why he thinks fellow Gen Zers are less inclined to drink booze – these will likely surprise older listeners. And there are plenty of useful tips for those starting out on their sobriety journey.As always, there are some Booze News items, and Just the Tonic. The podcast will return on August 20, with a special episode on sober events. Happy summer holidays to all Upper Bottom listeners!Booze News items:Irish Examiner (via MSN): Munich, home of Oktoberfest, to open its first alcohol-free beer garden (https://www.msn.com/en-ie/news/national/munich-home-of-oktoberfest-to-open-its-first-alcohol-free-beer-garden/ar-BB1q8QYW) Bored Panda (via MSN): 76 Reasons People Got Fired On Their First Day On The Job (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/the-boss-went-to-the-hospital-to-tell-him-he-was-fired-76-reasons-people-got-fired-on-day-one/ar-BB1qB8Vw) Telegraph (via MSN) I could drink and run marathons – it took losing everything to stop (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/health/other/i-could-drink-and-run-marathons-it-took-losing-everything-to-stop/ar-BB1qFw9y)#munich#germany#oktoberfest#summerholidays#workdrinking#sobriety#UpperBottomPodcast#NoLowDrinkTrends#sobermovement#sober