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Alcohol-free beer gets lager share [Ulster Region] [Sunday Mirror (England)](Sunday Mirror (England) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) SUPPING an alcohol-free beer no longer raises eyebrows at the pub, a report showed yesterday. Almost three in five adults say they would feel comfortable ordering the driver-friendly option in front of their friends when they go out for a drink. And 49% reckon it is more socially acceptable now than five years ago. Less than half admit having tasted the booze-free beverage - though among men the figure rises to 54%. Being the designated driver was the main reason for choosing the drink, with 46% giving this reply. A further 39% admitted they just tried it out of curiosity, according to the ComRes poll of 2,050 adults commissioned by brewer AB InBev UK, which makes UK market leader Beck's alcohol-free lager. Beck's marketing manager Jennifer Anton said: "It is encouraging to see customers are comfortable ordering alcohol-free beers when out with friends." It does not mean Britons are going off their usual tipple though - sales of beer and cider rose 6.8% this year as the World Cup was followed by a warm summer. (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |