Dry January is a month-long health kick that sees individuals stop drinking alcohol for 31 days. It’s estimated that over five million people in the UK take part in Dry January every year. That’s a significant amount of people for pubs and bars to contend with loosing for a month.
January is already notorious for being a difficult month for pubs and bars. People are still feeling the pinch from Christmas and plenty have New Year’s resolutions to save money or to lead a healthier lifestyle.
With plenty of customers taking up dry January, too, how can pubs and bars appeal through January?
Support the campaign
One of the worst things that pubs and bars can do is to completely disregard the Dry January campaign. Show your support for the campaign by maybe collecting money for the charities that the cause supports. Whilst other pubs nearby you might not change anything, you can differentiate yourself by embracing the event and helping those who are taking part to achieve their goal.
Give them a reason to visit
It’s true that most associate a Dry January with a month that is dull and will mostly involve them sitting at home. Socialising in Britain often involves a pint or glass of wine in hand, but why not change that stigma?
By hosting events, you can coax the non-drinkers out of their home and bring some cheer to their quiet month. Quiz nights, games nights and entertainment are all ways of bringing a crowd in.
Embrace their needs
Now, it’s likely that you’ll already have soft drinks on offer, but what sets you from the other cafes and bars that have exactly the same soft drinks? To maintain custom with those who are ceasing their alcohol intake, create alcohol-free cocktails, alternative soft drinks, artisan coffees and speciality teas.
The best thing that you can do is to ask those who are taking part in Dry January what drinks they’d like you to serve. Be sure to promote your plans, too. There’s no use in investing in new stock if nobody knows it’s there.
Improve your interior
To attract customers and keep them in your bar or pub for as long as possible, you need to have an appealing, cosy interior. With bad weather outside, throws, cushions, warm lighting will make people feel right at home. Browse our collection of bar furniture.