A Harrogate pop-up shop is hoping to “tackle the stigma” of non-alcoholic beer with a pop up shop.
Andy Mee, who runs the Alcohol Free Drinks Company, is set to operate a “dry off-licence” on the town’s Cambridge Street.
He set up the business after quitting drinking following this year’s covid lockdown, during which he said he drank “far too much” in order to cope with the shutdown of the family business.
The idea for the drinks company came when he visited a restaurant and was offered soft drinks, but no non-alcoholic beer with his meal.
Andy hopes the pop-up shop at the Victoria Shopping Centre, which is being held as part of Harrogate Beer Week, will encourage people to reach for a non-alcoholic option instead of feeling the pressure to drink.
He said:
“I’m not intending it to be a soapbox, but people have to stop sober shaming.
“I hope this can break that stigma.”
Initially online, the company offers a range of non-alcoholic beers to buy and deliver to people.
The pop-up shop will be open from 10am until 6pm this week, but will also offer free taster sessions from 1pm until 2pm.
Harrogate Beer Week
The “dry off-licence” comes as part of Harrogate Beer Week, which will run until September 26.
It intends to celebrate the town’s growing brewing culture as well as the bars, pubs and restaurants which support the breweries.
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A programme of special events and initiatives will be hosted at bars, brewery taps, and eateries across Harrogate. The event will culminate in a big beer weekend in the town centre.
Other features on the programme will include an ‘Indie Beer Trail’, live local music, and a home brewing competition, with some big names in UK beer heading to Harrogate to host a range of talks and tastings.