In a landmark moment, Stephen Morgan MP, Minister for Food and Drink, addressed the No, Low and Mid-Strength drinks producers at our Summit, becoming the first Minister to ever address the sector.
The Minister welcomed attendees to the Summit and highlighted the important contribution that NLM drinks are making to the UK economy and public health goals.
In his address the Minister also recognised the opportunity that the projected growth of the sector presents for the consumers. With more choice and good-quality alcohol alternatives available, consumers can more confidently choose to moderate their drinking in any social occasion.
We are very grateful to the Minister for being the first to address the sector and publicly show support for the producers who are putting more choice on the shelves.
You can watch the Minister’s address below.
We launched the No, Low and Mid-Strength Manifesto at the Summit!
We are so pleased to have launched the industry policy asks to the Government this week at the No, Low and Mid-Strength Summit 2026. Our manifesto, Shaking Up Westminster: A Manifesto for a Moderate Britain, is the first to specifically represent the sector’s needs and advocate for better conditions and regulations to trade in.
The manifesto was informed by producers, distributors and industry leaders so represents the breadth of issues that the sector is consistently coming up against. It is important that the Government considers these asks so that further growth can be unlocked and public health goals can be supported.
We are calling on the Government to:
- Update “alcohol-free” to mean 0.5% ABV and below
- Create one definition of an adult alternative drink to be used across Government
- Remove or reduce VAT on alcohol-free drinks
- Invest in the drinks of the future
- Create conditions for greater adoption
You can find the full manifesto here.
NOW LOBBY YOUR ELECTED REPRESENTATIVE!
Club Soda will continue to talk to government departments and officials to advocate for the sector’s policy asks. But, to have the biggest impact, we need you to act.
We are asking all UK brands to set up a meeting with their elected representative (members of UK and devolved parliaments) to share their brand story, and how these policy asks could help their business to grow. It is important that we educate and build support from elected representatives, so we can count on them to put pressure on Government Ministers and departments.
It may be your first time getting in contact with your elected representative so you might not know where to start. Not to worry! We have developed an accompanying Starter Lobbying Guide to support you through the process. Additionally, Club Soda recently hired a Public Affairs and Communications Officer, Lauren, who can help you through the process.We are also asking brands to keep us in the loop by filling out this form to let us know which elected representatives you have met, and how your meetings went.
We cannot stress enough the importance of you getting in contact with your elected representatives to set up a meeting so we can spread the word about what the sector needs.
We are always here to help you through every step of the process so do get in contact if want to chat.
