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

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 legal frameworks, 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 determining 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.