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The Bull, Codsall

In January, Support Your Pubs!

Happy New Year to all our members and readers!

As we step into 2025, we hope this year brings you good health, happiness, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy great beer and vibrant pub experiences. Let’s start the year by recognising the challenges our local pubs face in January and how we can all play a part in supporting them.

Supporting Our Pubs During Dry January: Embrace the Alternatives

The Bull, Codsall

January often presents challenges for pubs, with many patrons participating in Dry January—a campaign encouraging a month-long break from alcohol. While this initiative promotes health benefits, it does inadvertently impact the hospitality sector, particularly local pubs that thrive on community engagement.

The Impact on Pubs

Historically, January is a quieter month for pubs. Many people – some who don’t regularly use pubs throughout the year, descend on their local watering holes during the Christmas period, with licensees experiencing their busiest, most profitable month each December. 

Unfortunately, January is often the opposite. Poor weather and a lack of spending money combine to leave pubs quiet throughout the first month of the new year. Add on the rise in “Dry January” participation and the lull is exacerbated, affecting revenue and footfall.

However, many establishments have adapted by expanding their range of non-alcoholic beverages and promoting their venues as social hubs beyond just drinking. From darts teams to knitting clubs to coffee and 0% alcohol options, pubs are meeting the demands of their customers. 

The demand for low and no-alcohol drinks has surged, with UK sales of low-alcohol beer nearly doubling from 650,000 hectolitres in 2022 to approximately 1.3 million in 2023. Pubs have responded by offering a diverse selection of these beverages, ensuring that patrons abstaining from alcohol can still enjoy a night out.

A good example comes from Castle Rock Brewery in Nottingham, who are leading the way in promoting pub culture this month. They’ve launched the #31PubsinJanuary challenge, encouraging customers to visit 31 pubs in January, share their experiences on social media using the hashtag, and support their local establishments. This campaign not only celebrates pubs but also inspires people to use these community spaces creatively. This initiative works elsewhere – why not attempt it in our Wolverhampton branch area?

Tryanuary: Supporting Beer Businesses

Another fantastic initiative for January is Tryanuary, a volunteer-led campaign encouraging consumers to support beer businesses during this difficult month. While not a CAMRA event, CAMRA has and does support this campaign for its positive impact on breweries, pubs, and other beer-related businesses. Tryanuary encourages beer lovers to explore new beers, breweries, and venues while sharing their experiences on social media using #Tryanuary. It’s a great way to keep the spirit of beer appreciation alive while supporting the industry.

The Starting Gate, Pennfields

Beyond beverages, pubs serve as vital community centres where people gather to socialise, dine, and participate in events. Many pubs offer an array of activities, from quiz nights to live music, and provide menus featuring hearty meals and soft drinks. By visiting pubs during January for food, social gatherings, or entertainment, patrons support local businesses and maintain community connections.

Supporting Local Pubs

Even if you’re abstaining from alcohol, consider visiting your local pub to enjoy their non-alcoholic offerings, savour a meal, or simply engage in the convivial atmosphere. Your presence contributes to the sustainability of these establishments, ensuring they continue to thrive as integral parts of our communities.

In Wolverhampton, many pubs have introduced non-alcoholic and alcohol-free options, making it easier for the health conscious to enjoy these community spaces. Why not explore the local pub scene and discover what’s on offer this month? Not only will pub managers thank you for it – consider it beneficial for your mind during the dark, cold month of January. Research by Oxford psychologists tells us that approximately 33% of individuals fail to engage in weekly social interactions and the figure is surely higher in winter. Regular visits to local pubs limit that isolation – so see you down the pub this month for some all important social interaction!