‘Hard month’ for pubs as UK’s dry January set to be driest ever

The Swan Inn, in Lewes, East Sussex, puts on events and hosts local groups, providing hope that pubs will act as ‘third spaces’ – a community place away from home and work. Photograph: Maurice Savage/Alamy

It is set to be the driest January in living memory. Drinks sales in pubs and bars have plunged. Rising numbers of people are drinking low or no-alcohol. And new data indicates that even older people are joining teens and twentysomethings by giving up booze. With three days to go, this has been a grim month for publicans.

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) says pubs must adapt quickly by stocking more “lo-no” options and opening their doors more regularly to give community groups a cosy welcome on winter days.