Citation

Brocklebank LA, Blackwell AKM, Marteau TM, Hollands GJ, Fletcher PC, De-Loyde K, Morris RW, Pilling MA, Pechey R, Maynard OM, Attwood AS, Munafò MR. Soc. Sci. Med. 2021; 278: e113911.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.113911

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Straight-sided glasses can slow the rate of lager consumption in a laboratory setting compared with curved glasses. Slower drinking rates may lower overall alcohol consumption. Glass shape is therefore a potential target for intervention. The aim of this randomised crossover trial was to estimate the impact of serving draught beer and cider in straight-sided glasses, compared with usual, predominantly curved glasses, on alcohol sales for on-site consumption in bars.

METHODS: Twenty-four bars in England completed two intervention periods (A) and two control periods (B) in a randomised order: 1) BABA; 2) BAAB; 3) ABBA; or 4) ABAB. Each period lasted two weeks and involved serving draught beer and cider in either straight-sided glasses (A) or the venue's usual glasses (≥75% curved; B). The primary outcome was the mean volume (in litres) of draught beer and cider sold weekly, compared between A and B periods using a paired-samples t-test on aggregate data. A regression model adjusted for season, order, special events, and busyness.

FINDINGS: Mean weekly volume sales of draught beer and cider was 690·9 L (SD 491·3 L) across A periods and 732·5 L (SD 501·0 L) across B periods. The adjusted mean difference (A minus B) was 8·9 L per week (95% CI -45·5 to 63·3; p = 0·737).

INTERPRETATION: This study provides no clear evidence that using straight-sided glasses, compared with usual, predominantly curved glasses, reduces the volume of draught beer and cider sold for on-site consumption in bars.

Language: en

Keywords

Alcohol consumption; Choice architecture; Glass shape; Nudging