A Refreshing Trend: The Rise of Low and No Alcohol Beverages in the UK

Over the past few years, a significant shift has occurred in the UK’s drinking culture. 

Gone are the days when choosing not to drink alcohol meant limited options of sugary soft drinks or bland non-alcoholic beers. 

The market for low and no-alcohol wines, beers, and ciders has exploded, offering a range of flavourful, sophisticated, and refreshing alternatives for those who want to cut back on alcohol without compromising on taste or the social experience.

Why the Surge in Low and No Alcohol Drinks?

Several factors have contributed to the increasing demand for alcohol-free and low-alcohol beverages. Changing lifestyles, growing awareness of health and wellness, and the global push towards mindful drinking have all played their part. Many people, from millennials to older generations, are seeking out healthier choices, reducing their alcohol consumption in favour of drinks that are lighter in calories but still deliver a full-flavoured experience.

The rise of initiatives like Dry January and Sober October have also contributed to this movement. These campaigns encourage temporary abstinence from alcohol, promoting a more balanced approach to drinking. At the same time, the quality of low and no-alcohol alternatives has vastly improved, making it easier for people to enjoy a great drink without feeling like they are missing out.

The Evolution of Non-Alcoholic Wines

Traditionally, non-alcoholic wines had a bad reputation for being overly sweet or lacking the depth and complexity of their alcoholic counterparts. However, new production methods, including better dealcoholisation processes, have significantly enhanced the flavour profiles of alcohol-free wines, bringing them closer to the real thing.

One standout brand in this category is Eisberg, which produces a range of alcohol-free wines including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Rosé. Their wines offer an authentic experience, boasting the full-bodied character and refreshing crispness you'd expect from a good glass of wine, minus the alcohol.

Another player in this space is McGuigan Zero, an Australian brand that has expanded into the UK market. Known for its Chardonnay and Shiraz varieties, McGuigan Zero's alcohol-free offerings are crafted to retain the richness and fruitiness of traditional wines, making them a fantastic option for those seeking a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste.

Beer Goes Low or No Alcohol – and it’s Delicious!

The no-alcohol beer market has experienced a similar revolution. Craft breweries and large brands alike have been refining their recipes, using advanced brewing techniques to produce low and no-alcohol beers that taste just as satisfying as their boozy counterparts.

Leading the charge is BrewDog, a Scottish brewery known for its innovation. Their Punk AF (Alcohol Free) has won many fans, offering a hoppy and fruity pale ale experience without the alcohol. BrewDog has expanded its alcohol-free range with options like Nanny State, a malty, slightly bitter brew, perfect for those who still crave the richness of traditional ales.

Another noteworthy brand is Heineken 0.0, which has taken the UK market by storm with its smooth, refreshing taste that mirrors the original Heineken, but without the alcohol. With its easy availability in pubs and supermarkets, it's now a go-to for those looking to enjoy a beer without the effects of alcohol.

Guinness 0.0 is a very tasty alcohol free stout which tastes very similar to its older alcoholic cousin. Available in many supermarkets, off licences and some pubs including the Wetherspoon chain.

For those who love lager, Beck’s Blue continues to be a strong contender, maintaining its crisp, clean flavour, making it a familiar choice for anyone seeking a zero-alcohol option.

Ciders: Fruity and Fresh, Minus the Booze

Cider lovers are also well catered for in the low and no-alcohol category. Traditionally a high-alcohol drink due to its fermentation process, cider now offers an exciting array of lighter options that don’t skimp on the refreshing, fruity taste that has made it so popular.

Kopparberg has been a trailblazer in this area, with alcohol-free versions of its famous fruity ciders, such as the Alcohol-Free Mixed Fruit and Alcohol-Free Strawberry & Lime. These drinks still pack in all the juicy, vibrant flavours that Kopparberg is known for, making them a great choice for summer gatherings or casual sipping.

Another cider brand worth mentioning is Old Mout, whose Alcohol-Free Berries & Cherries cider is a delightful mix of sweet and tangy berries, perfect for those who enjoy a fruit-forward cider without the alcohol.

The Future is Low and No Alcohol

As demand for low and no-alcohol beverages continues to rise, we can expect to see even more innovation in this space. Whether it's for health reasons, a desire to cut back, or simply to enjoy a great-tasting drink without the effects of alcohol, UK consumers are increasingly spoilt for choice. With brands like Eisberg, BrewDog, Heineken, and Kopparberg leading the way, the days of feeling left out when choosing alcohol-free drinks are well and truly over.

Cheers to a future filled with more flavourful, inclusive, and refreshing options for everyone!

Elevate Your Home Bar: Craft Cocktails and Mixology for Amateurs

In recent years, the art of mixology has taken the world by storm, with craft cocktails becoming more than just a trend, they're a lifestyle. 

Whether you're entertaining guests or simply looking to unwind after a long day, elevating your home bar with the principles of mixology can transform your drinking experience. 

Here, we'll be exploring the exciting world of craft cocktails and offer tips and tricks for amateurs looking to master the art of mixology from the comfort of their homes.

Stocking Your Home Bar: Quality over Quantity

The foundation of any great home bar lies in its ingredients. Begin by investing in high-quality spirits such as premium vodka, gin, rum, tequila, and whiskey. Additionally, having a selection of liqueurs, bitters, and vermouth will provide you with the building blocks for a variety of cocktails. Don't forget fresh fruits, herbs, and garnishes to add that extra flair to your creations. Some people use beers in their cocktails. Be adventurous! 

Essential Tools for Mixology Mastery

To craft impeccable cocktails, you'll need the right tools. Start with the basics: a shaker, mixing glass, muddler, strainer, and jigger. A good set of bar spoons and a citrus press can also come in handy. These tools will not only make your mixing process more efficient but will also give you the confidence to experiment with different recipes.

Understanding Flavor Profiles: The Key to Perfect Cocktails

One of the fundamental principles of mixology is understanding flavor profiles. Experiment with sweet, sour, bitter, and savory elements to create a balanced and satisfying drink. For instance, combining citrusy notes with a hint of sweetness can result in a refreshing concoction, while adding bitters can elevate the complexity of your cocktail. Don't be afraid to experiment and trust your palate.

Mastering the Classics: Timeless Recipes for Every Occasion

Start your mixology journey by mastering a few classic cocktail recipes. From the iconic Martini and Old Fashioned to the refreshing Mojito and Margarita, understanding the foundations of these timeless drinks will provide a solid base for your creative endeavors. Once you've mastered the classics, you can begin to experiment with variations and create your signature twists.

Embracing Creativity: Craft Your Own Signature Cocktails

Once you've gained confidence in mixing classic cocktails, it's time to let your creativity shine. Experiment with unique flavor combinations, infusions, and homemade syrups to craft your own signature drinks. Consider the season, your mood, or the occasion when creating new recipes. The possibilities are endless, and your home bar is the perfect canvas for your mixological artistry.

And don't forget that alcohol free mocktails can be fun, too!

Presentation Matters: Garnishes and Glassware

Elevate the visual appeal of your cocktails by paying attention to presentation. Invest in a variety of glassware to suit different drinks, and don't underestimate the impact of a well-chosen garnish. Whether it's a citrus twist, fresh herbs, or edible flowers, the right garnish can enhance both the aroma and aesthetic of your creation.

Elevating your home bar through the art of mixology is not just about crafting drinks; it's about creating experiences. By stocking quality ingredients, mastering essential techniques, and embracing your creativity, you can turn your home into a haven for craft cocktails.

So, gather your tools, explore new recipes, and let the world of mixology become your playground. Cheers to the journey of becoming a home bar aficionado!

Just think! If you start learning and practicing now you could well be an expert mixologist in time for Chrastmas!

(Image courtesy of Pexels from Pixabay)

TRIP is the official soft drink of Dry January. Find out what TRIP can do for you

Every January, people all over the UK decide to ditch drinking for the month. Considering that a third of adults report feeling anxious after alcohol (TRIP), breaking boozy habits is certainly a good way to start the year feeling healthier and happier.

Last year, 2023, 9 million UK adults participated in Dry January® (Alcohol Change UK), with similar numbers of participants expected this year. 

But one in three fail to make it to the end of the month without reverting to their usual drinking habits (reports YouGov); the tools and support of Alcohol Change UK make it much easier to enjoy lasting success.

Why? Studies show people often drink in order to unwind, and alcohol alternatives generally don't have the same calming effect. Swapping out your usual tipple for a booze-free option might leave you hangover-less, but often the soft drinks we reach for are filled with sugar or have other additives that won't help you to relax in the same way a glass of wine with dinner does.

It's for this reason Dry January® is widely assumed to be a month of sacrifice. We forget it doesn't have to be this way. Not drinking doesn't need to be boring.

Wellness expert and co-founder of non-alcoholic CBD drink brand TRIP Olivia Ferdi that it's possible to take the edge off without reverting to our normal drinking habits: “CBD can be an exciting part in how we socialise.”

But why the sudden demand? Studies indicate people are increasingly giving up drinking, and since most alcohol alternatives generally don't have the same calming effect, only TRIP can help people unwind in a similar way.

In the first month of this year, approximately 8.8 million adults attempted to go without alcohol (Source: Alcohol Change UK), and with its delicious and functional flavours, TRIP helped many of these people stay on track. In fact, among Generation Z - the most likely age group to be teetotal - 1 in 2 have now tried a CBD drink (Source: KAM Media and Drinkaware). 

As part of their awareness driving for Dry January, TRIP has begun working with Roman Kemp, a vocal advocate for looking after your mental health; Olivia Ferdi comments, “Roman was a natural choice to partner with to promote our Dry January campaign, which is encouraging people to unwind naturally with TRIP and avoid the dreaded alcohol hangiexty.”

Roman Kemp adds, "Have you recently been affected by that dreaded word… hangxiety? Well, you don't have to feel like that, that's why I'm sticking with TRIP. A non-alcoholic drink that still gives me that relaxation and feelings of unwinding without the horrible aftermath and only 24 calories, too."

With 30 million impressions on TikTok and Instagram in January alone it's increasingly obvious just how in demand these kinds of functional alcohol alternatives really are. It seems that the only way is up for TRIP. As a result, TRIP now appears above both trip.com and Tripadvisor when searching 'TRIP' on Google! As consumers change their habits to drive soft drink sales, it's no coincidence that the official drink of Dry January®, TRIP, is also the fastest selling soft drink nationwide.

https://www.drink-trip.com

St-Remy Launches Limited Edition Bottle With Artist Lucas Beaufort

St-Rémy, the world's number one French brandy, unveils its exclusive collaboration with celebrated French artist Lucas Beaufort, which unites the worlds of fine spirits and of urban artistry, and will be certain to captivate collectors, art enthusiasts, and connoisseurs of fine brandy alike. 

Lucas Beaufort brings his revered vibrant street artist vision into the St-Rémy brand with a stunning limited-edition bottle design that showcases Beaufort's signature urban style, blending dynamic colours and captivating geometry that reflects his inspiration after tasting the St-Rémy XO with Master Blender, Cécile Roudaut.  

At the heart of this collaboration lies the shared values of authenticity, generosity, and open-mindedness, both of which Lucas Beaufort and St-Rémy hold dear. It's a meeting of two artists: Lucas, the painter of colours, memories, and emotions, and Cécile, the Master Blender, who expertly crafts harmony from the diversity of French terroirs. 

"Collaborating with St-Rémy on this project has been an genuinely incredible opportunity to fuse the worlds of art and savoire-faire," said Lucas Beaufort. "The design of this limited-edition bottle encapsulates the spirit of both our artistic endeavours and the refined excellence of St-Rémy brandy." 

Lucas Beaufort's captivating bottle artwork was inspired by an extensive tasting and masterclass with Master Blender Cécile Roudaut, where he translated St-Rémy XO's bold flavours of vanilla and wood, paired with the delicate notes of ripe fruits and honey into different shades of colours.   

"Diversity is the cornerstone of both Lucas and St-Rémy's artistic expressions," said Aveline Rimbaud, Executive Director at St-Rémy. "For St-Rémy, it is the diversity of the eaux-de-vie sourced from the different regions, grape varieties and vineyards of France. For Lucas Beaufort, it is his palette of colours, shapes, emotions, and memories that fuel his creativity. We share the belief that harmony is born from diversity." 

Both Cécile Roudaut and Lucas Beaufort embody the spirit of exploration in their unique ways - searching, waiting, observing, and adapting, to result in a harmonious creation. 

St-Rémy XO Tasting Notes 

Appearance  

Luminous amber, with a rich golden aura. 

Nose

Mature nose underpinned with echoes of oak and delicate vanilla aromas, layered with hints of ripe fruits and honey.  

Palate  

A rich palate of flavours. Subtle notes of wood and vanilla are enriched with flavours of gingerbread, candied apricots, dates, figs, and nuts. This complex taste is subtly spicy and offers a long finish. 

http://www.st-remy.com/

Controversial New Flavour Extraction Concept Set to Stir Up Drinks Industry

A brand-new and patented process, which removes the water and alcohol from any drink, creating a new and utterly unique flavour extract, promises to completely redefine the way we make and transport drinks, around the world.

Hocus, the innovative company which is behind this incredible technology, is set to send shockwaves through the drinks distribution industry.

The flavour extract is what makes any drink unique, it creates the special character you know and love from your favourite tipple, it's the concentrate of the drink. The water and alcohol can simply be added back, anywhere in the world. The ramifications are enormous, points out Hocus.

How does it work?

All alcoholic drinks have water and alcohol extracted, to leave the flavour concentrate.

The flavour essence can be transported anywhere in the world (30ml = 150cl = 3 x bottle).

Then simply add back the water and the alcohol to serve.

Founder of Hocus, Mark Stone is the visionary entrepreneur behind this concept. Using his knowledge of science, Stone started to experiment with flavour extracts and realised he could perfectly preserve the delicate flavour compounds without damaging them.

Comments Stone: “This process works on any alcoholic drink, wine, beer or spirits all work really well, but we've started with a focus on spirits. We've put the essence into a dispenser. Just three squirts are all you need for a flawless gin and tonic, which tastes exactly the same as the original version, because it is the original version.”

Hocus Drinks is an innovative drinks company dedicated to revolutionising the spirits industry with innovative and sustainable solutions. 

Their Dispenser technology promises to change the way drinks are transported and served worldwide, promoting sustainability and massively reducing cost.

To learn more visit https://hocus.uk.

Gin For Rhinos? Yes, Gin For Rhinos!

In a remarkable union of conservation and craftsmanship, Pete Richardson, who is the co-founder of the world's first baby rhino orphanage, has acquired The White Rhino Gin Company Ltd and the Urban Rhino gin brand.

This unique development not only marks an exciting milestone for Pete but also introduces an exclusive limited-edition legacy batch set to captivate gin enthusiasts all over the world.

Pete Richardson, 57, was working in The Waterberg area of Limpopo in South Africa when the rhino poaching crisis hit the headlines back in 2012.

Working with conservationist Arrie van Deventer, Pete was part of the team which took action to save the orphaned babies and went on to establish the world's first purpose-built facility, The Rhino Orphanage.

Pete remains an active director of the orphanage, despite now living in the UK. Through this connection, Pete crossed paths with Belinda Chaffer, the driving force behind Waterberg Rhino UK, who introduced him to the owners of The White Rhino Gin Company.

Enthralled by the shared vision, Pete stated, “When I met Belinda and the company's owners, it really felt like destiny. 

"We soon realised the incredible potential to build a global brand with Urban Rhino Gin whilst also offering support to the remarkable conservation efforts of both Waterberg Rhino UK and The Rhino Orphanage. I'm so thrilled about the possibilities that lie ahead of us.”

Crafted with meticulous care and attention to detail, Urban Rhino is an exceptional London dry gin that has gained high praise from customers and businesses alike. Distilled at the award-winning In the Welsh Wind distillery in Wales, its superior quality and exquisite taste have captivated gin enthusiasts worldwide.

John Heeds, one of the original founders of Urban Rhino said he was delighted to have Pete on board to take the brand forward.

He said: “From our very first conversation I was struck by Pete's passion and his links to rhino conservation made it a really easy decision to hand on the business to him and his team. We're very proud of what we've already achieved so far, but I couldn't be any more excited about what the future holds for the company which myself and our fellow founders are still actively involved with.”

As part of the acquisition, Pete secured a small stock to create an exclusive and individually numbered legacy batch, a prelude to the exciting plans awaiting the end of summer.

These limited-edition legacy bottles are now available for purchase through the Urban Rhino website at www.urban-rhino.com.

Urban Rhino Gin embodies the blend of conservation and indulgence, inviting gin lovers to embrace their passion while making a meaningful contribution to rhino preservation. With every sip, supporters of Urban Rhino join the movement to protect these majestic creatures from the threat of extinction.

If you'd like to find out more about the story behind Urban Rhino gin have a listen to this No Bull marketing podcast where all is revealed.

Finding alcohol free options is even easier at Waitrose

Demand for low alcohol and alcohol-free drinks is growing at such a rapid rate that  the Waitrose company is working with Diageo to introduce bold, dedicated areas in 253 of its shops across the UK to make it even easier for Waitrose shoppers to find Waitrose’s full range of over 70 low and alcohol-free drinks from beer and cider, to wines and also spirits.

Over the past year sales of low alcohol and alcohol-free drinks have grown by 20% at Waitrose, with sales of beer continuing to grow the fastest. The introduction of specialist, dedicated areas means 60% more space will be given to low and alcohol-free drinks across their shops.

Research commissioned for Diageo learned that seven in ten UK adults want to be able to find low alcohol and alcohol-free drinks more easily.

Kantar data found 99% of UK shoppers have bought both low and alcohol-free drinks and alcohol over the past year. 

Separate Kantar research found almost half of UK adults (47%) are switching between alcohol and low and alcohol-free drinks at the same occasion, and two-fifths (40%) of adults say they feel a desire and need to moderate their alcohol consumption. 

Pierpaolo Petrassi, who is the Master of Wine, and Head of Beers, Wines and Spirits at Waitrose said: “Demand for low-alcohol and alcohol-free drinks is growing at a phenomenal rate. It’s now the norm for customers to be buying both.  We expect this year to be the biggest year to date for sales and we are preparing for a strong demand at Christmastime.

“We belief this growth is due to our customers feeling a need to moderate their alcohol consumption, but is also heavily driven by the creation of new, great quality drinks like Guinness 0.0, Tanqueray 0.0 and Gordon's Pink 0.0. We’ve also added 10 new low and alcohol-free products this year and will launch more before the Christmas period.”

Nuno Teles, MD at Diageo GB, said: “We know UK drinkers are becoming more sophisticated and thinking more about how much they drink, the alcohol-free and low-alcohol categories play a critical , vital role in providing quality choices for those looking to moderate, without compromising on experience.

“However, barriers still exist when it comes to finding and understanding the options that are available. We are proud to partner with Waitrose to make it easier for consumers to know where to find alcohol-free and low alcohol options in store. 

"Diageo has a long-standing commitment to promote responsible drinking and this partnership demonstrates what is possible when brands and retailers work together to enable greater consumer choice and experience.”

Neil O'Brien MP, who is the Minister for Primary Care and Public Health welcomed the initiative saying: “The government wants to create a supportive environment to help individuals who want to reduce their alcohol consumption, including through encouraging substitution of alcoholic drinks with no and low alcohol alternatives.

“We welcome this initiative to increase the availability and to improve signposting of no and low alcohol alternatives in stores.”

 You can check out Waitrose here https://www.waitrose.com

One month to go until Alcohol Duty system changes

Today marks one month until the biggest Alcohol Duty reforms in 140 years come into effect.

On 1 August 2023, the Alcohol Duty system will become much simpler, taxing all alcoholic drinks based on their alcohol by volume (ABV).

This replaces the current Alcohol Duty system, which consists of four separate taxes covering beer, cider, spirits, wine and made-wine.

It's aim is to make the system fairer and responsive to new products entering the market as consumer tastes evolve and change.

Small producers, including pubs and restaurants, will benefit from reduced rates on qualifying products, like draught beer and cider.

The new system reflects the government’s commitment to tax simplification, helping to foster the right conditions for businesses to prosper and the economy to grow, which reportedly one of the Prime Minister’s five priorities.

Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury Gareth Davies said: “Because we left the EU we can make certain our alcohol duty system works for us. From next month the whole system will be much simpler, the duty will reflect the strength of the drink.

“We will also protect pubs and brewers with our Brexit Pubs Guarantee keeping Draught Duty down, and a new Small Producer Relief."

Jonathan Athow, Director General of Customer Strategy & Tax Design, HMRC, said: “After listening to feedback from industry, economists, public health groups and many business owners, the new Alcohol Duty system will be based on the founding principle of taxing alcoholic products by strength, ensuring consistency across the board for the first time ever.

“The new system will support the government’s public health objectives and provide extra support to small producers, pubs and the hospitality sector.”

The new system will create six standardised alcohol duty bands across all types of alcoholic products and apply to all individuals and businesses involved in the manufacture, distribution, holding and sale of alcoholic products across the UK.

These reforms will replace and extend the existing Small Brewers Relief with Small Producer Relief. This means all small businesses that produce any alcoholic products with an ABV of less than 8.5% will be eligible for reduced rates on qualifying products, if they produce less than 4,500 hectolitres per year.

To support the hospitality industry, and recognising the vital role played by pubs in our communities, there will also be a reduced rate for draught products, which is known as Draught Relief. This will reduce Alcohol Duty on qualifying beer and cider by 9.2%, and by 23% on qualifying wine-based, spirits-based and other fermented products, sold in on-trade premises such as pubs and restaurants.

The reforms will mean every pint in every pub across the UK will pay less duty than their supermarket equivalent, in line with the government’s Brexit Pubs Guarantee.

To support wine producers and importers in moving to the new method of calculating duty on their products, temporary arrangements will be in place for 18 months from 1 August 2023 until 1 February 2025.

To support innovation and responsible drinking, low strength drinks below 3.5% ABV will be charged at a new lower rate of duty. In making these changes, the government aims to encourage product innovation and ensure the Alcohol Duty system works for business and consumers.

More information on the new Alcohol Duty rates and reliefs can be found on GOV.UK.

Those involved in the production of smaller quantities of alcoholic products, can check the reduced rates of duty that apply to them by using the Small Producer Relief calculator. HMRC is also running a series of live webinars throughout July 2023 and in the months ahead to further support the alcohol industry through these changes.

The Spirit Cupboard Launches Mobile App That Makes Buying Spirits Simple!

The eagerly-awaited app, The Spirit Cupboard, is a seamless, intuitive and effective mobile application that brings together a community of like-minded individuals to discover, share and shop all things spirits.

Share, rate, review and compare alcoholic spirits and purchase them with The Spirit Cupboard app, in one convenient location. Now available for both IOS and Android devices.

This UK-based company aims to “refill your cupboard, one spirit at a time”. This community- based mobile app immerses its users in all things spirits, from ingredients to origins. Totally free to use, this app gives access to an extensive database of gin, vodka, whiskey and rum, readily available at anyone’s fingertips. It’s a modern marketplace that empowers all members to purchase their favourite spirits from the comfort of home, or while on the go.

With over 10,000 spirits to choose from, The Spirit Cupboard offers in-app purchasing of every spirit through a user-friendly filtered search engine. It’s now easy to select, locate and purchase liquor, quicker. This is what the alcohol marketplace has been missing. The app’s consumer-focused application is a multi-faceted tool that allows users to rate and review spirits, along with a simplified fulfilment process that utilises a portfolio of trusted online retailers and specialised suppliers. The app personalises the user experience based on preferences, while the intuitive rating system makes reviewing easier than ever before.

The founders said: “The Spirit Cupboard allows you to collect your favourite spirits on a virtual shelf. The app offers a community of alcohol enthusiasts a bottle-full of knowledge with a simple way to purchase. The best part? It’s completely free to use. All that remains for us to say… Which spirit has your name on it?” 

Visit www.spiritcupboard.co.uk for more information about The Spirit Cupboard app, including videos and screenshots of the app in action. The Spirit Cupboard mobile app was developed by Fortnight, a web and mobile application company with offices in Manchester, London and Vienna.

Alcohol Pricing: Better England Free than England Sober

The Libertarian Alliance, the radical free market and civil liberties institute, today has issued a strong and trenchant condemnation of proposals to make it harder for poor people to buy alcohol. The proposals include higher taxes, compulsory minimum prices for drink, further controls on advertising, and power to close down retailers. The only disagreement between the three main parties is how far they wish to go.

Speaking today in London, Dr Sean Gabb, Director of the Libertarian Alliance, commented: “These measures, if adopted, amount to an attack on the poor. The ruling class politicians who continually whine about alcohol will not be affected by minimum pricing or the abolition of special offers. I might add that none of them can be affected by such laws. Income aside, anyone who lies his way into Parliament can look forward to round the clock drinking in the Palace of Westminster of untaxed alcohol.

“But the measures will hurt poor people, for whom alcohol will become cripplingly expensive and hard to find. They have the same right to drink as the rest of us. Bearing in mind the problems willed on them by our exploitative ruling class, they often have a greater need to drink.

“The claim that drinking ’causes’ public disorder is nonsense. Alcohol does not run about the streets. People do. If people are making nuisances of themselves, the police should be instructed to stop behaving like some equivalent of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and to start protecting life and property again.

“The claim that drinking makes people unhealthy is irrelevant, where not a lie. People must be regarded as responsible for their own mistakes. Anyone who bleats about increased cost to the National Health Service should consider that drinkers already pay more in taxes than the alleged cost of treating their specific illnesses.

“We oppose all controls on the availability of alcohol to adults. Better England free than England sober.”

The Libertarian Alliance believes:

* That all the licensing laws should be repealed;
* That all controls on the marketing of alcohol should be repealed;
* That alcohol taxes should be reduced to the same level as the lowest in the European Union, and that there should be no increase in other taxes;
* That not a penny of the taxpayers’ money should be given to any organisation arguing against the above.

Shloer has new taste of summer drink for your summer days

Now you can make the perfect Summer’s day even better by drinking Shloer’s brand new Summer Fruit Punch. The limited edition flavour is light and fruity and is ideally refreshing on a sunny day.

Ideal for the grand garden party, or simply enjoyed at a Sunday Social barbecue, Shloer’s Summer Fruit Punch is best served ‘dressed to impress’. Conjure up the typical tastes of summer: mint leaves, slices of orange and cucumber and fresh juicy strawberries, all served in a jug over ice – perfect for sharing.

The natural alcohol alternative

Shloer uses only the finest ingredients to create a delicious non-alcoholic sparkling juice drink. All varieties make a tasty grape-based alternative to alcohol, suitable for all the family - including those who want to enjoy the Summer social circuit without drinking alcohol. Shloer contains no preservatives, artificial colours, sweeteners or flavourings and is available from all major supermarkets.

Best served shared – on any occasion

Shloer’s Summer Fruit Punch will add a little sparkle to any social gathering planned or impromptu: That might be sharing with friends during one of the many Spring bank holidays or serving at a wedding or a Royal Wedding street party.

Entertaining Inspiration

If the warm weather (or the thought of it) has left you longing to get a group of friends together but you need inspiration with your menu, then you might like to check out The Shloer Sunday Cookbook, you'll find it at the official Shloer Facebook page, www.facebook.com/shloer

The recipes you’ll find there are created by devoted Shloer fans themselves, around a ‘simple and sharing’ principle.

Share recipes and win

It’s easy to contribute your own tasty dishes, or vote for your favourites on their Shloer Sunday Cookbook, either way you have the chance to win some fabulous prizes such as cookery lessons with an expert chef.
A flavour for everyone

Shloer is available in White Grape, Red Grape, Rose, Apple & White Grape, White Grape, Raspberry & Cranberry, White Grape & Elderflower and new Summer Fruit Punch - RRP £2.29