A new on-tap alcohol-free beer has performed ‘very well indeed’ at the pubs where it is being sold, its makers say.

St Peter’s Brewery near Bungay hopes to capitalise on growing demand for alcohol-free beers as Dry January approaches.

It has already seen good sales of its new draught version of St Peter’s Without at the Old Spot Pub Company.

“We believe 0.0% alcohol beer on tap is the next big thing for pubs and bars,” said brewery boss John Hadingham. “We all know bar taps are at a premium so it is probably a little too soon to see no alcohol beers appearing on huge numbers of bars just now, but, given the rapid growth, I suspect it will not be long, especially as international brands continue to enter the category.

“We’ve just launched Without Gold on draught in Old Spot Pub Company and it has performed very well indeed.”

For rural pubs wanting to retain those punters who are driving, alcohol-free beer on draught is the “perfect option”, he said.

Without Gold is available in 30-litre stainless steel kegs and is part of the new range of kegs offered by the brewery, which includes English lager and a new wheat beer.

“Giving landlords the opportunity to serve our alcohol-free beers in kegs makes perfect sense, particularly as we want to boost our on-trade sales. We’ve also joined Cask Marque to ensure we can help train staff to serve our beer in perfect condition so the customer always gets to enjoy the best possible pint of St Peter’s,” said John.