They’ve been called wise, they’ve been called boring, but one thing is clear: Gen Z is drinking less alcohol than any other generation before them, and sobriety is in.
Go to any UK city on a Friday night, and mixed in with the classic clubs and bars, you will find sober activities. Whether it’s sober social nights, mocktail bars, or individual people choosing to stay sober on an ordinary night out, alcohol-free nights are gradually becoming the norm for Gen Z.
Let’s take a minute to explore Gen Z’s fascination with sober nights out, unpacking why sobriety is on the rise, the benefits of alcohol-free nights, and the future of sobriety for Gen Z.
Why Gen Z is Redefining Fun
Gen Z is drinking 20% less than millennials were at the same age, but that doesn’t mean they don’t know how to have fun. Instead, they’re inventing new ways to enjoy themselves, with alcohol either completely absent or no longer the focus of social events.
So, why is it that Gen Z is redefining fun? Lots of reasons:
1. Health
The younger generations are more health-conscious than their elders in many ways. Being exposed to the downsides of drinking, both at school and online, has led to many young adults avoiding alcohol for the sake of their health.
2. Cost
The ongoing cost of living crisis has played a huge part in turning Gen Z away from alcohol. With nights out being too expensive for many, and even house parties involving expenses, some young people are either unable or unwilling to make alcohol a big part of their lives.
3. Cultural shift
There’s no doubt that sobriety is much better understood than it ever was, and at times, glamorised. With social media allowing young people to see varied perspectives on alcohol, they can hear stories of people who are either tee total or have reduced their drinking, and feel encouraged by this.
4. Addiction
Despite Gen Z drinking less, addiction still affects many young people in the UK. Those who have experienced drug or alcohol rehab and/or a drug or alcohol detox will know just how detrimental substance issues are, and this can prevent them from joining in with alcohol-driven nights out.
The Rise of Sober Events
The more people have embraced sobriety, the more sober events have appeared all over the UK, such as:
- Sober club nights
- Dry January events
- Sober brunches
- Mocktail lounges
- Sober Christmas activities
While certain sober events have been available in the past, the scale is much bigger in 2025, and so is the diversity.
Many of us used to think of sobriety as something reserved for those who struggled with alcohol, but Gen Z’s attitude is much more open-minded. People can attend these sober events for all sorts of reasons, including that they are simply “sober curious” and want to experience their first night out without alcohol.
How Sober Socialising Impacts Relationships
“I couldn’t do a first date sober” is something many have thought to themselves.
While it’s true that a sober first date can feel more vulnerable, is that such a bad thing? People with first-hand experience would argue it can be refreshing to go on a first date without leaning on alcohol; drinking is often used as a confidence boost, but over time, turning up to dates being 0% tipsy can actually increase your self-esteem.
When dating or in a relationship, sobriety can encourage people to focus more on the other person and put effort into starting an engaging conversation, where alcohol often distracts and creates a false sense of intimacy.
In terms of platonic relationships, solid friendships can be built on a foundation of sobriety, particularly if it’s something friends can bond over, and help each other with.
The Benefits of Sober Socialising
The advantages of having a sober social life are far-reaching:
1. Mental health
Alcohol is a depressant, so even for those with no mental health issues, it’s bound to negatively affect their mood in the long term. For others, it increases the symptoms of pre-existing mental illnesses, from anxiety to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Being sober provides an opportunity to focus on your mental health without the distraction of substances, which is where true recovery can begin.
2. Physical health
It’s not just the gym bros that are turning down alcohol to protect their health. For the average Gen Z, alcohol can be the reason for problems with sleep, skin, weight, amongst many other health-related things.
Let’s put the spotlight on sleep for a second: as well as generally reducing the quality and quantity of sleep even after a one-off night of drinking, alcohol accounts for 10% of cases of persistent insomnia.
Alcohol-free nights out allow people to let loose and have a good time without fearing subsequent sleep issues, which is particularly important for those working full-time, looking after families, or with other health issues.
3. Self-esteem
Proving to yourself that you can have fun whilst being completely present is bound to increase your self-esteem. It also helps you to get to know yourself more than ever before, which can boost confidence as you begin to learn how to set boundaries you’re comfortable with and invest in relationships you’re passionate about.
4. Energy
Alcohol depletes energy like nobody’s business. During a night out, you may feel like you could stay up for days, but we all know that feeling does not last into the morning.
The boundless energy of someone who is newly sober is something that has tempted many to try out the sober life.
How Will Sober Socialising Affect the Future of Nightlife
Sober socialising hasn’t yet replaced traditional nights out, and it’s unlikely to in the near future. Most Gen Zs continue to drink, albeit less than previous generations, and therefore there will still be a demand for boozy bars and clubs.
That being said, the sheer popularity of sober socialising means that there is no way for UK nightlife to remain unchanged in years to come. The rise of alcohol-free nights could lead to:
1. More activities
When alcohol isn’t the centre of an event, there’s more pressure for event organisers to offer another interesting experience on the night, whether it’s guest appearances, live music, or a good old sober quiz.
2. Practical changes
Going out without drinking often means people want to get home earlier, which could have a significant knock-on effect on things like club/bar opening times and public transport.
3. Marketing changes
Currently, most nightlife marketing revolves around alcohol, as this is what draws most people in. However, the more common sobriety is becoming, the more we will see clubs and bars creatively shifting their marketing to suit a wider audience.
Conclusion
Sobriety is becoming more popular for many different reasons, from health to social media. Regardless of each individual’s reason, Gen Z are collectively causing a shift in nightlife culture, and embracing sober socialising with open arms.
Thanks to Gen Z, we are all beginning to see that there is no need for alcohol to be present for people to have fun.
