UK Government urged to raise alcohol-free beer threshold in line with Europe

A recent analysis has revealed that everyday supermarket items such as burger rolls and ripe bananas can contain more alcohol than a no-alcohol beer. The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) is now calling on the UK government to reform labelling regulations to better reflect this reality.  In the UK, a beverage can only be labelled as 'alcohol-free' if it contains no more than 0.05% alcohol by volume (ABV). This is significantly lower than the 0.5% ABV threshold permitted in many European countries and the United States. The drinks industry has long argued that the current standard puts British brewers at a competitive disadvantage and limits consumer choice. "It makes little sense that products like burger rolls, malt loaf, and ripe bananas can contain more alcohol than a no-alcohol beer, yet the beer is subject to stricter labelling rules," said Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA. "It’s time to update the regulations to reflect reality and support British brewers in meeting growing consumer demand for low and no-alcohol options." The BBPA's push for reform comes as the government continues its consultation on the no-and low-alcohol threshold, which was launched last year. The consultation aims to assess whether the current 0.05% limit should be raised to 0.5%, in line with international standards.

Restrictive

Advocates argue that the current limit not only confuses consumers but also restricts the development of innovative alcohol-free products. According to the BBPA, raising the threshold would help the UK’s brewing sector thrive in the rapidly growing no and low alcohol market, while providing consumers with more clarity and choice. The BBPA’s findings highlight that burger rolls can contain up to 1.2% ABV, while malt loaf can reach 0.7%, and ripe bananas can hit 0.5%. These levels are considered negligible and occur naturally due to fermentation, yet remain higher than the current 0.05% threshold for alcohol-free beer. The government’s consultation is set to conclude later this year, with the industry eagerly awaiting the outcome. As McClarkin emphasised, "Updating the rules would allow us to offer consumers more choice, drive innovation, and support the British beer industry’s growth in this increasingly important market segment." With the global no and low alcohol market projected to reach £10 billion by 2026, the BBPA’s call for reform is gaining traction among brewers and publicans alike. The hope is that a more practical threshold will not only level the playing field for UK producers but also empower consumers to make informed choices without unnecessary confusion.