Podcast: No/lo alcohol products - what role do they play in reducing alcohol harm?

August 17, 2026

Alcohol-related harm remains a persistent public health crisis in Ireland, with four lives lost to consumption daily. Although the state enacted the Public Health Alcohol Act to curb these impacts, the rapid rise of zero and low-alcohol products introduces critical questions regarding moderation versus industry marketing tactics.

 

This discussion explores whether these drinks offer a genuine health solution or act as surrogate advertising for parent alcohol brands.

 

Joining the conversation are Dr. Zubair Kabir, Senior Lecturer in Public Health at University College Cork and lead on the Global Burden of Disease study, and Dr. Fergal O’Connor, Senior Lecturer in Financial Economics at University College Cork. Both experts provide essential, evidence-based analysis on the intersection of health policy, economics, and corporate strategy. 

 

This podcast and the research discussed is funded by Research Ireland through their New Foundations scheme.

 

THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT

  • Alcohol-related mortality rates and healthcare system burden.
  • Barriers to implementing the Public Health Alcohol Act.
  • Global market trends for zero and low-alcohol products.
  • Economic evidence of substitution between beer and no-low alternatives.
  • Marketing strategies and surrogate brand promotion tactics.

GUEST DETAILS 

Dr. Zubair Kabir is a Senior Lecturer in Public Health at University College Cork and the country lead for the Global Burden of Disease Study. He specializes in tobacco control and alcohol policy research. 

Contact Zubair: 

Website: https://research.ucc.ie/en/persons/zubair-kabir/

Social Media: https://ie.linkedin.com/in/zubair-kabir-ba571520b

 

Dr. Fergal O’Connor is a Senior Lecturer in Financial Economics at University College Cork. His research focuses on international beer consumption patterns, the economics of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and cross-price elasticities.

Contact Fergal:

Email: fergal.oconnor@ucc.ie

 

MORE INFORMATION

If you are looking for support visit the link below or call HSE Drug and Alcohol Helpline 1800459459

https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/addiction/drugshivhelpline

 

Counselling phone line: https://connectcounselling.ie/ 

 

Alcohol Action Ireland Toolkit: https://alcoholireland.ie/our-work/campaigns/silent-voices/toolkit/

 

KEYWORDS 

#NoLowAlcoholProductsIreland#AlcoholPolicyIreland#PublicHealthAlcoholAct

#AlcoholHarmReduction