Danny Dyer steps in to lend a hand to struggling pubs this Dry January

With pubs in decline, Danny Dyer is urging Brits to visit their local this month, even if they're not drinking - you can even get free crisps

A third of Brits are planning to skip their local pub this January, opting instead to focus on health and fitness goals. However, with pubs under threat, Danny Dyer is encouraging Brits to support their local boozer this month, even if they're not consuming alcohol.

Statistics reveal that more than 400 pubs shut their doors permanently in 2024, with the total number of UK pubs dropping below 39,000 for the first time since records began. The industry is now preparing for a significant drop in sales this month, with 21% of adults planning to abstain from alcohol.

In response, the former Eastenders star who portrayed Queen Vic landlord Mick Carter, is supporting the 'Pack Our Pubs' initiative. The campaign will involve offering free pints of crisps to anyone buying an alcohol-free drink during January at 200 pubs across the UK.

Dyer teamed up with Walkers, makers of the Better For You range of snacks, to serve crisp pints at The Chancellors on the aptly named Crisp Road in Hammersmith, London.

"The local boozer is important, helping keep the community together," the TV star said. "For some pubs, January is a really tough time and could be the final straw."

He continued: "Fair play to those having a go at the Dry January challenge this year, it's a great thing to do for your health - mind and body. But you can still get down to the local with your mates, even if you're off the booze."

The main reasons Brits contemplate taking up Dry January include to bolster physical health, save some pennies, and kick off the new year with a constructive habit. About 24% are up for a challenge just to see if they're up to it.

Over three quarters reckon enjoying the pub scene is totally feasible without a drop of alcohol. With a similar percentage having done so in the past.

However, with a lack of motivation and cravings or old habits making it harder for people to commit to something like Dry Jan when visiting the pub, one in four reckon having more non-alcoholic options available would help.

Interestingly, 18% also think they'd avoid alcohol more easily if pubs offered healthier snacks.

"It's much easier to stick to your goals if you're able to have fun at the same time," Walkers' spokesperson Cynthia Finke observed, adding, "Being able to support the pub industry at the same time is a bonus to boot."