Thirsty Brits to down 400 million pints this month as UK shuns Dry January 2024

01 January 2024 , 12:29

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Millions of Brits are set to ignore Dry January (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Brits are set to shun Dry January and enjoy more than 400 million pints to help ailing pubs this month, according to experts.

Last year millions of people across the nation took on the challenge to avoid booze in the hopes staying off drink will help them both physically and mentally. Some 70 per cent of participants from last year's pledge said they had better sleep during the month, while 66 per cent felt like they had more energy. However, after bumper festive trade several pubs have sent an SOS to breweries to deliver millions more pints as barrels have been drunk almost dry.

Bar sales were up by over 10% during the festive ­season, UKHospitality data showed. Boss Kate Nicholls said: “In January, hospitality businesses are hoping for a continuation of the positive sales seen across the UK over the and New Year period. Pubs, bars and restaurants form a key part of ­local communities, so we’d encourage people to ­support those businesses this January. The challenge of the business costs still rears its head, with energy costs, labour issues and inflation.”

Data from the British Beer and Pub Association shows 175 million pints will be supped in pubs plus 225 million pints at home this January, reports the Daily Star. However, for those looking to avoid drink this month, Creditfix, which offers free debt advice for those struggling, has created a Dry January calculator to show just how much you will save if you embark on a month's sobriety. The widget uses average costs of common drinks such as wine, lager, cider, and spirits - to predict how much you will save each week and per month.

For example, somebody who orders just two small glasses of white wine every Saturday and Sunday will save £21.56 a week - or £86.24. If you grab a cheeky pint after work Mon-Fri, you'll save around £22 a week, or £88 a month. For those partial to something a little stronger, just one Rum & Coke (single) will add up to nearly £30 per month. Dr Louise Goddard-Crawley is a . Speaking to The Mirror, she said: “This can lead to improvements in various aspects of physical health, including liver function, immune system response, and cardiovascular health. It gives organs a break from processing alcohol, allowing them to recover and function more efficiently.

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“Taking a break from drinking allows the brain to recover, potentially leading to improved concentration, memory, and overall cognitive performance. Many people report feeling more alert and focused after a period of abstinence." Other benefits can include improved sleep, better emotional well-being, increased self-awareness and taking a break from 'habitual patterns'.

Antony Thrower