DGT promotes alcohol-free beer for drivers as consumption figures surge across Spain

A new study shows that 44.7 per cent of adults in Spain now consume alcohol-free beer, reflecting a cultural shift that normalises alcohol-free alternatives and dismantles old social stigmas. Spain leads Europe in both production and consumption of non-alcoholic beer, accounting for a quarter of the total consumed in the European Union. In parallel, the Dirección General de Tráfico and Cerveceros de España have launched the joint campaign “Elegir SIN al volante es la caña”, reminding motorists that alcohol and driving remain strictly incompatible and encouraging drivers to choose alcohol-free options when taking the wheel.

Almost half of adults in Spain now consume alcohol-free beer, according to a recent market study that highlights a significant cultural shift in social drinking and road safety habits across the country. The publication of the figures coincides with a new awareness campaign launched by the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) and Cerveceros de España, which actively promotes non-alcoholic beer as a safe, practical alternative for anyone planning to drive.

The survey, titled “Hábitos y contextos de consumo de la cerveza SIN” and conducted by Alpha Research for Cerveceros de España, reveals that 44.7 per cent of adults in Spain describe themselves as consumers of alcohol-free beer. The data indicates that drinking non-alcoholic alternatives is no longer confined to isolated clinical choices or perceived as a compromise, with 93.8 per cent of those who drink it doing so in company.

The findings challenge longstanding stigmas surrounding non-alcoholic drinks, demonstrating how firmly they are now embedded in regular social gatherings. Around 49.9 per cent of respondents cited the midday aperitif or tapas as the most common occasion for choosing a non-alcoholic beer, followed by meals with family and friends at 41.8 per cent. Traditional venues remain the primary setting, with bars and cafes accounting for 60.7 per cent of consumption, while roadside cafes and service areas represent 22.8 per cent.

Spain remains an international benchmark in the category, producing and drinking more alcohol-free beer than any other European nation. The country accounts for roughly 25 per cent of all non-alcoholic beer consumed across the European Union. In 2025, consumption reached 3.3 million hectolitres, representing around 14 per cent of total beer sales nationwide, or roughly one in every seven beers served.

Crucially for road safety, the figures confirm that drivers are increasingly viewing alcohol-free beer as an easy option when heading out. Among beer drinkers, 24.2 per cent stated they usually choose alcohol-free options, 15.1 per cent alternate between alcoholic and alcohol-free drinks, and 9.7 per cent base their decision on the specific plan or circumstances, such as needing to drive home afterwards.

Building on these trends, the DGT and Cerveceros de España have launched their joint campaign under the slogan “Elegir SIN al volante es la caña”. The initiative aims to reinforce that social plans do not have to end simply because someone has to drive, whilst reiterating the firm road safety principle that alcohol and driving are entirely incompatible.

Pere Navarro, Director General of the Dirección General de Tráfico, highlighted the importance of normalising responsible choices during routine social outings. He pointed out that having to drive should not bring an end to social plans, but must guide the choice of beverage. He emphasised that alcohol and driving cannot mix, noting that non-alcoholic alternatives allow motorists to make responsible choices naturally. He also noted that consumption of alcohol-free beer increased by 4 per cent in 2025.

Jacobo Olalla Marañón, Director General of Cerveceros de España, explained that the sector has worked for years to ensure responsibility forms an integral part of social culture. He noted that the data demonstrates alcohol-free beer is already present on bar tables, during road trips, and in social outings, allowing drivers to continue enjoying their leisure time without compromising safety behind the wheel.