As we head into the new year, many people will be wanting to feel a little fitter and healthier but what cost will it have on the pub industry?

The festive season brings excitement for many, but it can also be a time of indulgence, and perhaps drinking more alcohol than we would like - leading many to want a break.

Many people will be wanting to feel a little fitter and healthier and according to Alcohol Change UK, their research shows that one in four of us would like to drink less alcohol in 2024, and one in six adults (16%) plan to take a break from alcohol this January.

Researchers believe that the speciality month promotes a message to the members of the public to say they don’t need alcohol to have fun, relax, celebrate, unwind or anything else.

Many people have told Alcohol Change that they have an even better time when not drinking alcohol, as they feel more present, can remember the evening more, and enjoy waking up hangover-free, feeling fresh and energetic. 

Statistics also show that a month off alcohol won’t just mean short-term boosts to your wellbeing but has been proven to lead to lower blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes risk, as well as lower cancer-related proteins in the blood.

However, as we think more about ourselves and our health, the one thing that we often forget is are we putting more local pubs in danger of closing by choosing not to go out as we don't want to drink? Especially after taking the hit from the cost-of-living-crisis.

We asked our readers to discuss whether local pubs should be supported mooring during 'quieter' months such as 'dry January'.

Here is what they said.

Resident Steven Bell believed there are more factors deciding why customers do not go out to pubs anymore.

He said: “The [pub's] high prices compared supermarkets stop people going out."

Fenick Mews agrees and adds: "The cheap alcohol at the supermarkets are killing the pub trade, unfortunately”.

Our top fan Dan Dowling said: "I think the fact people standard of living had dropped hugely, and prices of everything have doubled in three years is more of a danger, to all traders locally, personally."

However, Ray Bather disagrees as he adds his opinion to the discussion. He said: “Not entirely true Dan, the pint in my local is only 10p more than three years ago, and inflation has been 11.42%in that time, not 100. In that time wages have risen above inflation. It’s fuel, heating and raw food that has risen, mainly due to external factors, and staff costs have risen because, even though vacancies are at a historic high, pubs can’t get people to work there."

Other reader's such as Neil M Robinson there are other things to do and eat at a pub that can still be done during 'dry January'.

He said: "[You cans still] go in and have a coffee and a meal.

Andy Brooks agreed and said: "Most pubs should accommodate a breakfast sitting with tea coffee etc to help through the harder times of the year. It isn't illegal to do so and if your breakfast etc is nice then people come back."

Vikki Firth also adds: “The pub trade always goes quiet into the new year. Dry January will always have its usual non-drinkers but there is lots of choices and options to be had now in the non and low alcohol selection, so people still pop in to socialise and have a drink."

Jane Pryde agrees and does not believe 'dry January' is the problem.

She said: "Folk not drinking in January is not to blame for the slump in the pub trade. And its harmful to say so. Pubs now tend to have a selection of zero beers and spirits. To people wanting a break from the booze, good for you, you shouldn't feel like you 'have to drink' to keep your local afloat."

This year, several Tynedale pubs have closed their days after experiencing decline in footfall.

Former Victorian Tap tenant, Simone Simms, left Hexham in November said: "Sadly the climate for pubs isn’t great right now.

"Hexham's roadworks did not help, cost of living crisis, the cost of fuel - all these added to our decision to leave. It’s so hard for pubs to survive in the right now.

"Can I please just say if you don’t use it, you lose it, please don’t let this be the fate of any more pubs in Hexham."