McGuigan Wines UK has partnered with British singer and TV personality Louise Redknapp to market the company's alcohol-free selection.
Louise Redknapp commented ‘It can be a bit tiring explaining why you aren’t drinking when you’re out with friends. That’s why I’m working with McGuigan Zero to help get rid of those stigmas that come when we might not fancy drinking at social occasions’.
According to studies, nearly half of British people (43%) admit to completely canceling social plans, making it impossible to get them to drink alcohol.
A survey of 2,000 alcohol-using adults revealed that 31% of them have experienced peer pressure to partake in alcoholic beverages at social gatherings, with friends (33%) and their significant others (30%) being the most likely to exert such pressure.
A quarter (24%) have experienced pressure to consume alcohol at weddings, and 22% worry about being persuaded to consume alcohol at an unscheduled work party.
And 28% of people have made up justifications for not drinking, with 32% saying they are taking medication and 38% attributing it to an early start the next day.
Dr Martha Newson, a psychologist specialising in human behaviour, who has partnered with non-alcoholic wine drink McGuigan Zero, which commissioned the research, said: “If you’ve ever made up an excuse to not drink alcohol, you’re in good company."
“The research found that people tend to rely on excuses that are functional, such as having work the next day or driving – placing responsibility outside of their control.
“Interestingly, however, the true reasons that people reported not drinking alcohol were embedded in self-awareness and personal development, such as health, sleep, and wellbeing.”
Sober-curious celebrity, Louise Redknapp, said: “Let’s be honest, when we’re not drinking alcohol at a social occasion, we all feel the need to explain ourselves, make excuses, and apologise to our friends and family for not “being fun”.
“But it’s time to say no to the peer pressure. With so many amazing no- and low-alcohol alternatives on offer, our drinking culture needs to change.
“So, for whatever reason you’re choosing not to drink this festive season, lean into your decision, and I’m with you all the way.” Louise Redknapp went on.