The pub. A social hub of activity that has been a part of British culture for decades.
Over the years, the pub has no doubt seen plenty of change as they have had to adapt and adjust in response to the latest customer trends and industry changes. Craft beer, high-quality food and a smoking ban are just some of the introductions that have swept across pubs throughout the country.
Pubs that find innovative ways to remain attractive to consumer continue to succeed in an industry that sees 18 pubs close every week. It’s a constant battle but for a pub to move forward, it needs to progress and move with the times.
The latest change the pub is seeing is a rise in the number of non-drinkers. Should pub owners be tapping into this market?
The rise of teetotallers
The number of non-drinkers in the UK has seen a stark rise in the past few years. A study by University College London found that the number of 16 to 24-year-olds who don’t drink alcohol has risen from 18 per cent in 2005 to 29 per cent in 2015.
The main driver behind it is health benefits and cultural factors. Researchers on the study found that teetotalism was becoming ever more common amongst the younger generations, whilst drunkenness was deemed less acceptable.
Attracting non-drinkers to pubs
Generation Z includes those born after 1995. 78% of those in this generation surveyed believe that pubs need to make themselves more inviting to customers who don’t drink alcohol. This is according to a Nitro-Generation report from Nescafé Azera.
And there is more to embracing non-drinkers than simply offering them a pint of Coca Cola. By providing something different to this market, you immediately identify as a pub who appeals to non-drinkers. This could be anything from offering alcohol-free beer, coffees, specialist soft drinks and mocktails.
Give your pub a refresh
As well as giving your menu and offerings a refresh to attract non-drinkers, a third of those questioned in the survey also felt that pubs are becoming outdated. Another way to appeal to younger and older generations alike is to update your pub’s interior. Be honest, how long has it been since you’ve had an update?
Trent Furniture has a range of pub furniture that is ideal for bringing your pub up to date.