A COLCHESTER venue owner who is teetotal has described the Dry January campaign as "bittersweet", saying although it does impact the bar industry, he is "all for it".

Tristan Clarke is the co-owner of Coda, in High Street, having opened the entertainment bar alongside Ollie Ward back in December 2018.

He has now had his say on Dry January, a national campaign which encourages people to go alcohol-free for the entire month.

Started in 2013 by Alcohol Change UK, the initiative's first active year saw 4,000 people take part, whereas last year 175,000 people gave up booze for 31 days.

Gazette: Business owners - Ollie Ward and Tristan Clarke standing behind Coda's barBusiness owners - Ollie Ward and Tristan Clarke standing behind Coda's bar (Image: Newsquest)

Tristan says the annual event doesn't help the bar industry, not least given it takes place during an already quiet month, meaning there is an increased chance of loss of sales.

However, he has stressed Dry January can be a really helpful experience for many drinkers looking to cut-back or give up entirely. 

Tristan said: "Sales are definitely impacted by it, however it’s a brilliant initiative to get people to take it easy, or even go completely sober. 

"We love what we do at Coda, we see it more as a music venue than a bar, but it’s no secret that we survive on alcohol sales. 

"The profit margins for selling soft drinks isn’t a sustainable model sadly but that’s where alcohol free alternatives come in.

Gazette: Bar - Coda in Colchester's High StreetBar - Coda in Colchester's High Street (Image: Newsquest)

"We sell three different types of alcohol free beer and a alcohol free cider. "

Tristan gave up drinking in 2020, something which he thinks is "very common" for venue owners in the industry.

The benefits of having a clear mind and healthier lifestyle have been worth it for the bar owner.

He said: "The feeling of not waking up hungover and dehydrated and not losing a day of productivity due to the after effects is well worth the potentially slightly less exciting night at the pub. 

"So yes, I’m all for Dry January, I encourage everyone to challenge themselves this coming month."

According to Alcohol UK's Alcohol Change Report, 200,000 children in the UK live with an alcohol dependent parent and the liquid costs the NHS an estimated £3.5 billion every year.