Regulation of Alcohol‐Free and Low‐Alcohol Drinks: Learning From a Comparative Analysis of Eight Countries

Citation

Burton R, Angus K, Morgan A, Howell R, Critchlow N, Kersbergen I, Holmes J, Bowdring MA, Miller M, Waleewong O, Halme A, Voogt C & Fitzgerald N (2026) Regulation of Alcohol‐Free and Low‐Alcohol Drinks: Learning From a Comparative Analysis of Eight Countries. Drug and Alcohol Review, 45 (3), Art. No.: e70126. https://doi.org/10.1111/dar.70126

Abstract
Introduction: Governance of alcohol-free and low-alcohol (No/Lo) drinks has the potential to influence their public health impact. However, regulation remains poorly understood. This study aimed to identify, summarise and compare formal legalframeworks, non-binding government guidance and recognised self-regulatory frameworks for the labelling, taxation, licensing and condition of sale and marketing of No/Lo drinks across a diverse set of countries. Methods: We conducted a desk-based analysis, supplemented by expert input. Eight case study countries (Australia, Finland,Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Thailand, the United Kingdom [UK] and the United States of America) were selected for their diversity in geography, alcohol consumption and policy environments. Targeted searches identified documents for deter-mining how No/Lo products were regulated in relation to their labelling, taxation, licensing and conditions of sale and marketing. Data were extracted, tabulated and reviewed for accuracy. Results: Regulatory thresholds (%ABV) that determine when drinks fall under alcohol legislation vary widely both across and within countries and definitions of No/Lo products are uncommon. For example, drinks can be labelled as alcohol-free at ≤ 0.05%alcohol by volume (ABV) in the UK, but ≤ 1.15% ABV in parts of Australia. Sales of drinks below defined thresholds generally do not require a premises licence. Marketing restrictions were generally shaped by those for standard alcoholic drinks, although new self-regulatory guidance has been developed in Australia, the Netherlands and the UK. Discussion and Conclusions: Governance of No/Lo drinks is fragmented and inconsistent, with definitions and regulatory thresholds varying both across countries and between policy areas within countries.

Keywords
alcohol-free; low-strength alcohol; NoLo ; non-alcoholic; regulation; zero alcohol

Journal
Drug and Alcohol Review: Volume 45, Issue 3

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