The first alcohol-free bar in Manchester, “Love From,” has closed its doors, with its owner citing the need for a societal mindset change towards drinking. Despite a successful trial and opening in January, the bar struggled to maintain footfall, especially as Brits resumed their drinking habits post-Dry January. Owner Karl Considine highlighted the financial challenges and the competitive bar scene in Manchester as significant factors in the closure. Love From aimed to redefine social norms around alcohol, offering non-alcoholic pints and cocktails, but ultimately faced resistance from a culture strongly tied to drinking.

Considine, who has been sober for three years, noted that while the bar initially attracted the ‘sober-curious’ Gen Z crowd, it couldn’t sustain enough business to stay afloat. The venture also faced online ridicule, underlining the deep-rooted scepticism towards alcohol-free socialising in the UK. Considine believes a broader societal shift is necessary to embrace such concepts fully. As he turns his attention to other ventures like weddings and pop-ups, he remains a vocal advocate for changing perceptions around alcohol consumption.

Source: Daily Star