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The government has launched a consultation on whether to raise the threshold for describing a drink as ‘alcohol free’ to 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV).
It is hoped that this will encourage more people to choose no and low-alcohol drinks to help those looking to live healthier lives while supporting businesses.
It will seek views on whether to change from the current threshold of 0.05%, making the UK more in line with other countries around the world including the USA, Denmark, Germany, Australia, Sweden, Portugal and Belgium.
Public Health Minister Neil O’Brien said: “No and low-alcohol drinks are getting more and more popular, and we are looking to further support their growth. Many other countries around the world already allow more freedom over this. Liberalising labelling guidelines could also help people make more informed choices about the drinks they buy.”
Alcohol free drinks are not suitable for children
The government is clear these products should not be marketed to children or consumed by them. Through the consultation, the government is seeking views on measures it can take with industry to prevent children and young people from accessing and consuming these products, including potential age restriction warnings on products.
Views are also being sought on whether to update labelling guidelines, so that manufacturers display the alcohol percentage on any no or low alcohol product clearly on the bottle.
‘Low alcohol’ refers to any product 1.2% ABV or below. Currently, alcohol-free is 0.05% ABV but the government is seeking views on whether to raise this to 0.5% ABV.
Marcos Salazar, CEO of the Adult Non-Alcoholic Beverage Association, said: “As the no and low alcohol category continues to grow and provide greater choice for consumers looking to reduce their alcohol consumption, it is essential that there is consistency between the UK, European and other international markets in terms of labelling.”
A fifth of adults in England currently drink above the low-risk guidelines of 14 units per week – significantly increasing their risk of ill-health, poorer quality of life and even premature death. Views are being sought on how to support those looking to moderate their alcohol consumption and provide them with greater choice when looking for alternatives to alcohol.
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