What's Up Docs? Doctors' Notes: Alcohol
Jan 13, 2026
Dr. May van Schalkwyk, a research fellow at the University of Edinburgh, sheds light on the alcohol industry’s role in shaping UK drinking culture. She discusses why Dry January poses challenges, and whether low- or no-alcohol alternatives truly reduce consumption. May draws parallels between alcohol and tobacco industry tactics, emphasizing the need for effective policies like pricing and advertising restrictions. The conversation also dives into empowering individuals through knowledge about industry influence, promoting healthier choices around alcohol.
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Industry Rewrites Drinking Culture
- The alcohol industry's use of history and culture distorts genuine drinking traditions to sell products.
- May van Schalkwyk warns modern marketing creates environments far more intense than past drinking cultures.
No‑Low Products Aren't Proven Solutions
- No- and low-alcohol products are rising but evidence on population-level harm reduction is still unclear.
- May cautions these products may be promoted by industry to protect profits rather than reduce harm.
Replace, Don't Add, No‑Low Drinks
- If you replace your regular alcohol with no‑low, you may gain health benefits as an individual.
- But check that the no‑low actually replaces alcohol consumption rather than adding extra branded drinks.