Avoiding alcohol can seem like a hefty task. In summer months there’s endless barbeques, weddings, garden parties, of course Christmas and New Year in Winter and then all the birthdays and celebrations in between – and it’s not uncommon to feel obligated to drink in order to celebrate. But are times finally changing?

Changing perceptions of ‘fun’

As most of us have experienced at some point, culturally there is a huge expectation on people to drink alcohol – for years we have believed that it makes for a good time. But does it, really?

Events company, eve, has spoken to people across a number of venues in London that have revealed people are starting to believe that alcohol isn’t required to have fun, and that more people are going alcohol-free at their venues.

So, why the shift?

Mindful millennials

Millennials are prioritising health, more so than previous generations. Possibly a result of a more diverse generation and increased awareness in mental health challenges, wellbeing, lifestyle choices and financial stability, a recent study shows that 29% of 16-24 year olds don’t drink at all, and those that do are drinking far less than seen in previous generations.

London leads the way

It appears that the London population is driving change with regards to alcohol consumption, with 27% of Londoners avoiding alcohol entirely which, according to a 2018 survey from the Office of National Statistics, this is the highest proportion of non-drinkers in the country.

Jonathan Reeve of Liv-ex (formerly of Wine-Searcher.com) has been trying out living alcohol-free for eight months after realising that drinking was such a prominent part of his lifestyle.

“I didn’t like that fact that I didn’t feel in control, I like to be in charge, so I wanted to test if I could stop drinking full stop. It means going through parties and events without drinking…

“An immediate and lasting revelation of the experiment is how much easier it now is to go alcohol- free, even compare with five years ago, the alcohol- free tide is rising, and on it floats an ever- growing raft of interesting non-alcoholic beverages. Like a modern day Noah’s ark. There are now many decent alcohol-free alternatives which look and taste just like the original they are imitating!”

Everything in moderation

Rosamund Dean- author of Mindful Drinking: How Cutting Down Can Change Your Life says: “If you drink more alcohol than you should (and British people drank an enamel-dissolving 40 million litres of prosecco in 2016), then the magic solution is simply to drink a bit less. This is where ‘mindful drinking’- which is essentially training yourself to drink in moderation – comes in.

“I know what you’re thinking: “Yeah, but that’s impossible with my social life/work culture/Tinder dates/stressful job/bonding with ‘mum friends’/appreciation of a cold Gin and Tonic. But between work events and wine at home and cocktails with friends and Sundays in the pub, you could easily be drinking double the recommended limit of 14 units a week, which is bad news for your body and mind.

“You don’t have to give up drinking altogether, but wouldn’t it be great to wake up clear-head by being more mindful about how much you’re consuming!”

3 tips for living alcohol-free

Champagne twinning – “If you want to look like you’re drinking Champagne at a party, but you’d prefer to go alcohol free, ask the barkeep for a ginger beer – it looks exactly the same” suggests Becci – Head of Business Development, eve.

Help from my friends

If you’re going to an event, a wedding, a party, ask a friend or partner to go alcohol-free with you. Avoiding alcohol together enables you to support each other and reduces pressure from other people trying to get you a drink. You’re both in the same boat.

Beware the refill

If you’re at a fancy event like a wedding or a work party, be aware of floating staff on the hunt for empty glasses to top up!