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CULTURE

‘Being sober at Christmas is tough. I don’t want to sugar-coat it’


by Amanda Cassidy
17th Dec 2022
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Alcohol messaging is everywhere. The roast accompanied by a glass of wine, supermarkets full of offers on Baileys and ‘festive fizz.' Every party invitation promises ‘champagne on arrival’ and every gathering seems to revolve around booze. Amanda Cassidy speaks to those who don't drink, about the challenges (and benefits) to being sober this holiday season.

“Just inside the window of a popular London city brasserie, there is a long wooden bar with a selection of non-alcoholic craft beers. On the menu there is a decent selection of alcohol free wines and bubbles. I fill my glass and clink 2023 with colleagures. Nobody mentions my lack of alcohol consumption, nobody calls me a dry shite, nobody tells me to ah go on, leave the car. Nobody asks me if I’m in...

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