Weymouth’s first completely alcohol-free pub is now open
As a growing number of young Brits give up alcohol, an alcohol-free pub in Weymouth opens
Weymouth's first completely alcohol-free pub has opened its doors on St Thomas Street.
Reaction to the Dry Dock Pub has been “hugely positive” and the concept has even been endorsed by Mayor Kate Wheller.
Founder of the Dry Dock, Sam Watson told us: “I really want to create a space where people can go out and spend time enjoy other people's company without the distractions of alcohol. I feel that we've let alcohol sort of like take over our lives and it's become a bit of a problem. I think that we can learn to go out and socialise without it.”
Demand for the Dry Dock is certainly there as UK alcohol sales fell 9% in 2022 from a year earlier, while sales of no-to-low-alcohol beverages rose 3%, according to data from Nielsen UK.
Research shows a growing number of young people across the country are choosing to drink less or stay sober.
According to a National Health Service survey from 2021, about 38% of 16 to 24 year olds ‘didn’t drink at all’ in 2020, up from 19% a decade earlier.
With Gen Z seemingly embracing sobriety, Sam Watson thought it would be the perfect time to open the pub.
He said: “I've been thinking about the idea for a long time, but I think if I had done it five years ago, it would have been too early. I don't think the market would have been ready and in reality, the products wouldn't have been there for us to be able to make it a success.”
The pub has a variety of non-alcoholic beers, wines and beverages on offer, including Guinness, Doom Bar, Lucky Saint, Free Damm.
Inside it has all the usual amenities you’d see in a traditional pub including a dart board, pool table and jukebox.
“It’s a pub for everyone,” Mr Watson said, “It's not just about being in recovery, it's more about people socialising and getting people back into the community.”
His mission was to create a community space for everyone to use and he’s achieved it. The space is already being used for community events and groups with Andy’s Man club starting in three weeks’ time.