'Dry' months adding pressure on struggling pubs

Alcohol-free initiatives like 'Dry January' promoted for health benefits

​Drink free months – including ‘Dry January’ and ‘Sober October’ – could affect the future of some Island pubs.

That’s the claim being made by the chairman of the Licensed Victuallers Association following a turbulent period due to Covid-19 and the cost-of-living crisis.

The initiatives are designed to promote health and wellbeing benefits – with many people giving up alcohol after the festive season.

But Andy Saunders says that doesn’t include the health of the hospitality trade:

Public Health Isle of Man says taking part in Dry January has 'amazing physical benefits, including lower blood pressure and cholesterol and lower cancer-related proteins in the blood' - whilst also saving you money.