A month without drinking a drop. A month to rest his liver, purge his body and take stock of his alcohol consumption. Straight from England, the Dry January event is gradually starting to make its mark in France. Last year, nearly a quarter of French people took up the challenge of not drinking in January, even if it is not known whether all the candidates remained sober over the period. If it still makes the alcohol lobby wince, the initiative can count on the support of associations and professionals involved in public health issues. Obvious when we know that alcohol is the cause of 49,000 deaths each year in France and is the second risk factor for cancer after tobacco.
In Ille-et-Vilaine, a department not reputed to be the most sober in France, the local branch of the League against Cancer is thus joining the operation this year by launching its own alcohol-free cocktail in around fifteen bars. and restaurants in Rennes (read framed). “It’s a simple way to do prevention by going directly to the places of consumption,” says Chloé Minereau, in charge of the operation at the League against cancer. However, there is no question for the association to stigmatize bars, where alcohol sometimes flows freely. “We want to show that these are places of life and not just places of alcohol consumption”, continues the young woman.
Alcohol-free in full swing
To concoct its drink, the association called on a mixologist and a dietician who developed Honey Pom’s, a cocktail based on gin, without alcohol of course, apple juice, honey, lemon and sparkling water. A drink that has joined the Barhumètre menu for a month, a rum bar located on Place du Champ-Jacquet. “It’s still more fun to drink than a soda or sparkling water,” smiles Ambre Aussel.
If the Miel Pom’s is not yet a hit in its bar, the manager of the premises still notes a growing enthusiasm among customers for non-alcoholic drinks. “The offer has also followed and diversified,” she explains. Before, there was only non-alcoholic beer, but now you can find everything, from wine to spirits. »
Not everyone is ready for the challenge
A trend towards non-alcoholic drinks to which not all customers are ready to give in yet. Even in January. “I consider that I don’t drink a lot so I don’t really see the point of doing the Dry January,” says this customer, seated at the counter of the Arhumètre in front of a glass of rosé. But for those who drink a lot of alcohol, I think it’s beneficial. »
A few dozen meters away, on the Place Sainte-Anne, the Dry January was not invited to all the tables either. “We didn’t see each other during the holidays so we’re starting the year with a little aperitif with friends,” says Laurine, who is sipping a pint of beer on the terrace. “I’m not saying that I won’t try one day, engages Leo, seated at a neighboring table. But not this year, lazy. Especially since I have a big party planned next weekend! For some, the January challenge will therefore wait. For the others, you still have more than three weeks to hold on.