How should public health respond to rise of alcohol-free and low alcohol drinks?

Citation

Holmes J, Kersbergen I, Critchlow N & Fitzgerald N (2026) How should public health respond to rise of alcohol-free and low alcohol drinks?. BMJ, 392, Art. No.: e086563. https://www.bmj.com/content/392/bmj-2025-086563; https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2025-086563

Abstract
Key messages: - Alcohol-free and low alcohol (nolo) drinks are increasingly popular with consumers in high income countries - Nolo drinks have the potential to affect public health, but there is little evidence on whether benefits or harms are being realised now, or will be in the future - Public health actors should help develop and implement a strategic and precautionary approach to nolo drinks to minimise risks - This includes agreeing on the basic aims of nolo drinks, the actions that might deliver these aims, and where further evidence is required

Notes
How should public health respond to rise of alcohol-free and low alcohol drinks? John Holmes and colleagues argue for a precautionary approach that is guided by public health interests and considers both risks and benefits

Journal
BMJ: Volume 392