Heineken warns weight-loss drugs could cut beer sales in pubs and bars

Summary

Heineken has warned hospitality customers, including British bars and pubs, that the growing popularity of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy can reduce the desire to drink alcohol. The world's second-largest brewer sent a presentation to British hospitality customers earlier this month saying this could lead to "fullness and fewer serves" of pints in pubs and bars, which could mean a fall in beer and cider sales. The Straits Times and The Guardian both reported the presentation.

Timeline

1. Straits Times

   23 Oct 2026, 08:55 UTCSource ↗

   The Straits Times reports that Heineken told hospitality customers that GLP-1 drugs can reduce the desire to drink.

2. The Guardian

   23 Oct 2026, 10:33 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that Heineken sent British hospitality customers a presentation earlier this month warning that GLP-1 medication such as Ozempic and Wegovy can reduce the desire to drink, which could lead to "fullness and fewer serves" of pints in pubs and bars.