As the festive season approaches, so too does a heightened focus on drink driving, with the Department for Transport’s annual ‘Drink a Little. Risk a Lot’ campaign and the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s winter drink-driving campaign, Operation Limit, running in full force. These initiatives aim to challenge behaviours, particularly among young men who are overrepresented in drink-drive casualties, emphasising the life-altering consequences of a single decision.
However, amidst these national efforts, a grassroots movement led by inspirational individuals like Liz Brown from Tintagel, in Cornwall, is helping to reshape attitudes toward alcohol itself.
Liz, a mum of three and avid festival-goer, has always loved socialising - whether at pubs, concerts or community events. Yet, three years ago, she made the life-changing decision to go sober.
“I loved going out,” Liz says, “but it seemed everything revolved around alcohol. When I stopped drinking, I found myself avoiding the pub because I didn’t want to sit there with a lemonade and feel like an afterthought.”
Recognising a gap in the market, Liz turned her frustration into inspiration, launching SoBar in April 2023, an alcohol-free mobile bar that’s already making waves at events across Cornwall.
Challenging the Status Quo
Liz’s journey isn’t just about personal sobriety; it’s about creating a cultural shift. “As someone who doesn’t drink, I still want to enjoy a nice cold pint and not feel out of place. There are so many people like me - drivers, pregnant people or anyone choosing to avoid alcohol -who don’t want to stay at home or feel excluded.”
SoBar offers a range of 0% beverages, from craft beers to sophisticated mocktails, giving people the same social experience without the pressure to drink alcohol. Liz explains:
“When you have the same colour liquid in your glass as everyone else, it’s a game changer. People stop asking questions. It’s about promoting choice and inclusivity.”
A cultural shift
Liz believes we’re witnessing a “smoking moment” for alcohol - a societal turning point where attitudes are evolving. “The choice available now is exploding, and it’s exciting. People no longer want to hear, ‘Why aren’t you drinking?’ They just want to hold something in their hand and be part of the occasion.” This change is especially apparent among younger generations. As the mother of an 18-year-old driver, Liz observes, “Their attitudes to drink driving are different, but there’s still work to be done.”
Liz’s mission extends beyond her bar. She actively encourages pubs and publicans to embrace the shift by offering a broader range of 0% options. “It costs nothing to stock alcohol-free drinks, and it’s about promoting inclusivity. Pubs have a duty of care to their customers. Dry January shouldn’t mean staying home; it’s an opportunity to come out and enjoy yourself responsibly.”
The bigger picture
Liz’s story aligns perfectly with the messages behind national drink-driving campaigns. Choosing not to drink doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your social life - it’s about making smarter choices for the safety and well-being of everyone on the road. The Department for Transport’s call to “always opt for 0% over an alcoholic drink if you’re getting behind the wheel” resonates with Liz’s vision.
“Alcohol is a cleverly packaged poison,” Liz says bluntly. “We’re finally starting to see it for what it is. This isn’t about judgment; it’s about creating a healthier, more inclusive society where everyone can participate.”
An inclusive future
From her rural community in Cornwall to festival fields, Liz is proving that alcohol-free options aren’t just a niche - they’re a necessity. Through SoBar and her advocacy, she’s inspiring a cultural shift that not only supports healthier lifestyles but also contributes to fewer drink-driving incidents and alcohol-related deaths.
This festive season, as national campaigns urge us to ‘drink a little, risk a lot,’ Liz Brown reminds us that there’s a better way to celebrate. One that includes everyone, keeps us all safer and challenges the status quo - one sober sip at a time.
