PPB August 2021

Start Prepping Now For Dry January Dry January, a campaign that originated in the United Kingdom to promote abstaining from alcohol for the month, has become a major movement. The campaign started in 2013 with just 4,000 participants. In 2020, more than four million people around the world took part. In the U.S., nearly 25 percent of adults who drink participated in Dry January this year, up from 16 percent in January 2020. Promotional products distributors can partner with non-alcoholic spirit brands to showcase their alcohol-free offerings and make Dry January a little less dry. Sources: YouGovAmerica, AlcoholChange.org Promoting Responsible Consumption The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism estimates that 95,000 people die from alcohol-related causes every year, making alcohol the third-leading preventable cause of death in the U.S. (The first is tobacco and the second is poor diet and inactivity.) Promotional products distributors can work with bars, distilleries and wineries on campaigns encouraging consumers to moderate their consumption. 27 National Whiskey Day 7 National Beer Day 25 National Wine Day 24 National Tequila Day Source: Nationaldaycalendar.com Bar The Doors For Exceptional Promotions Distributors can use these ideas with bars, taverns, pubs and nightclubs to help drum up new business and create awareness for special promotions and events: • Print table tent cards inviting patrons to share reviews on Yelp or Tripadvisor and to post photos of their experience on social media in exchange for a coupon to use on their next visit. • Host themed nights such as Monday Night Football or Trivia Game Night and provide themed table or bar décor and commemorative glasses as a gift with purchase. • Help clients sponsor a local minor league sports team or community event, such as a festival or race that benefits a charity, and provide logoed t-shirts, water bottles, banners and face towels. • Help clients partner with their spirit vendors (such as liquor companies or craft breweries) to promote a special, limited-edition cocktail or brew, and provide the branded collateral including napkins, coasters, glasses, banners and signs, along with marketing to promote the event. • Depending on the bar’s clientele, work with the client to invite a local musician to perform and suggest a few promotions to draw patrons in to listen and enjoy some drinks as well. • Provide a selection of good-quality branded merch, including creatively designed t-shirts and caps, that patrons can purchase onsite. Pair the swag with a promotion that gives a discount with purchase when they wear the apparel into the bar. MARCH APRIL MAY JULY Special Days Call For Special Promotions | AUGUST 2021 | 39 GROW