The trend of Dry January, where people commit to giving up alcohol for the month, seems to be losing popularity in New York City according to a recent survey conducted by the Post where the majority of respondents stated they had no intention of participating in it. Experts claim that taking a break from alcohol can result in improved sleep quality, weight loss, and a boost in mood, but it appears that fewer New Yorkers are interested in partaking in this trend this year.
The study showed that 25% of Americans over the age of 21 chose to start 2024 with non-alcoholic drinks. The movement was particularly popular among young adults, especially those in the 21-24 age group. However, it seems that those in Gen Z have begun to abandon this trend in 2025. Many of the young people interviewed in New York City expressed skepticism about giving up alcohol for a month, questioning the point of doing so if it’s not a permanent change.
Several bar-goers stated that alcohol played a significant role in their social lives, making it challenging to give up. Others believed that the stress of life and lack of alternative activities during the cold winter months were reasons for not participating in Dry January. Some drinkers noted that the trend’s popularity had a reverse effect on their willingness to participate, as they were put off by the idea of doing something just because it was popular.
There were, however, still some New Yorkers who were considering participating in Dry January. Some individuals mentioned that being part of a group of friends who were also participating made the idea more appealing. Others mentioned that they had tried the challenge in previous years but had trouble completing the full month. For some, it was an opportunity to take a break from their usual drinking habits and explore other activities with friends, such as museums or playing pool.
The decrease in interest in Dry January could benefit local bars in New York City, as the trend had negatively impacted their sales in previous years. In 2023, more than 350 bars reported a 40% decrease in sales due to the challenge. Ride-sharing services also reported a 10% drop in ridership to and from bars during January 2024. Some bars, like Whisky Town, have introduced non-alcoholic options to cater to customers looking for alternatives to alcohol. Overall, the response to Dry January in New York City varied among residents, with some choosing to participate, some avoiding it, and others considering a modified version of the challenge.
