Sober, Seen, and Served: Dry Jan Done Right…
How Venues Can Support Dry January Through Better Visibility with QR Menus
Dry January is more than just a fleeting trend—it reflects the UK’s changing social habits. This year, over 15 million Brits are planning to take a break from alcohol, driven by financial pressures, health goals, and a growing preference for mindful drinking. However, many venues still face challenges in meeting the needs of this audience, particularly when it comes to making alcohol-free options easy to find and appealing.
One of the biggest barriers? Visibility. Research by KAM Insight and Everleaf shows that 1-in-3 visits to pubs, bars, and restaurants are now alcohol-free, yet customers often struggle to locate alcohol-free drinks on menus or at the bar. Shockingly, 40% of venues that stock alcohol-free spirits don’t include them on their menus, and 75% don’t feature alcohol-free cocktails. This disconnect leaves venues missing out on a growing and influential audience.
Visibility: A Clear Solution for Customer Satisfaction
Today’s consumers demand convenience and clarity. With 40% of Brits researching low-and-no-alcohol options before deciding where to go, venues must ensure these options are easy to find—not just physically but digitally. QR code menus offer a powerful solution, transforming the way venues display and promote their alcohol-free offerings.
By embracing QR menus, venues can address common challenges and elevate the customer experience:
Real-Time Updates: QR menus allow venues to update their drink options instantly, ensuring the latest alcohol-free offerings are always front and centre.
Dedicated Categories: Clear, organised sections for low-and-no options can help customers quickly find what they’re looking for, avoiding the frustration of searching.
Enhanced Recommendations: Digital menus can highlight popular alcohol-free drinks or pairings, leveraging data to guide customers toward their next favourite choice.
The Benefits of Digital Menus for Alcohol-Free Drinks
To make alcohol-free options more accessible and enticing, venues using QR menus should consider:
Prominent Placement: Feature alcohol-free drinks at the top of the menu or in a dedicated section with eye-catching visuals.
Search Functionality: Allow customers to search for alcohol-free beers, wines, or spirits quickly and easily.
Brand Storytelling: Use the digital space to showcase the story behind products like Everleaf or Lucky Saint, connecting customers with the craftsmanship behind their drinks.
Interactive Media: Add videos or images that highlight how alcohol-free cocktails are made to create a sensory and engaging experience.
Tailored Suggestions: Offer personalised drink recommendations based on customer preferences, turning a simple menu into an interactive guide.
Meeting the Needs of a Changing Audience
The rise of moderation and mindful drinking is shaping the way people choose venues. Younger generations, in particular, are leading the charge, with 85% of 18-24-year-olds stating that non-drinkers in their group influence where they go. By making alcohol-free options both available and visible, venues can cater to this growing audience and ensure their offerings stand out in a competitive market.
The Digital Edge
At eMenuNow, we’ve seen how digital solutions can help venues meet the expectations of today’s customers. QR menus, combined with our smart ordering platform, allow venues to:
Promote alcohol-free drinks with targeted in-menu advertising.
Make alcohol-free options more visible and appealing.
Drive higher sales by upselling with curated recommendations.
Taking the Lead in Hospitality
Dry January is an opportunity for venues to showcase their commitment to inclusivity and innovation. By using QR menus to prioritise visibility and accessibility, venues can attract the growing audience of guests seeking alcohol-free drinks—and create a more welcoming experience for everyone.
Ready to optimise your menu and stand out? Connect with EMenu to learn how digital menus can transform your offerings and boost customer satisfaction.
Let’s redefine the hospitality experience—together.
