Sharp's drinkers 'less likely to smoke'

September 6, 2007: Research suggests drinkers of Sharp's beers are less likely to be affected by the smoking ban than many other drinkers.

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	l Sharp's drinkers: less likely than most to be slipping out to the beer garden for a ciggie

Just 8% per cent of people who drink Sharp's beers are smokers, according to research carried out at the Great British Beer Festival, and are, therefore, more likely to be visiting their smoke-free local now.

In a survey of 514 consumers who attended the Sharp's Brewery stand at the festival, 8% said they smoked, compared to Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) statistics that say 43 % of lager drinkers and 26.5% of real ale drinkers smoke. Around 24% of people in the UK are smokers.

Sharp's director Joe Keohane said: "This statistic bodes well for all those pubs stocking Sharp's cask beer. It is also suggests to us that Sharp's consumers are considerably less likely to be inconvenienced by the recent smoking ban and will continue to have a regular pint."

These findings are backed up by results of an online survey through Sharp's website. A total of 7.5 % of respondents who identified Sharp's as their favourite beer said they smoke.

Mr Keohane added: "The natural ingredients used and the focus we put on sustainable and ethical processes obviously appeals to people concerned about what they put into their bodies and who wish to avoid additives and chemicals."

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