Try January is a campaign which kicked off in 2015 as the bar and pub industry launched new initiatives to overcome the 31-day abstinence campaigns advocated by the likes of Alcohol Concern and Public Health England.
The promotion aims to get people into pubs, bars and restaurants and try something different. Studies suggest as many as eight out of 10 drinkers rarely try a new tipple so actively encouraging these reluctant customers to take a sip of something different can be a great way to diversify your offering.
Alcohol-free and low ABV drinks are often overlooked in the hospitality sector but promoting fresh ranges of cocktails, mocktails and ‘healthy’ alternatives to alcohol can be a great way to attract new customers.
Partner with others and promote mindful pub crawls
Almost without doubt, other pubs in your area will also be struggling with slow trade in January. So instead of frantically competing with each other for trade, why not form a mutually beneficial partnership?
Organising a ‘pub crawl’ is a great way to get people out and about in the local area. ‘Mindful pub crawls’ have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way of enjoying a night out with moderate drinking. Promoting such an event on the back of Dry January could be a great way to lure people in with the promise of a low alcohol night with suitable related drinks promotions.