Best Bar None Scotland Supports Just One Choice UK

Best Bar None Scotland is proud to support the Just One Choice UK campaign and its important message about alcohol and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, known as FASD.

FASD is a lifelong condition caused by exposure to alcohol before birth. It can affect learning, behaviour, communication, memory and physical development. The message from Just One Choice UK is simple. If you are pregnant, or think you could be pregnant, choosing not to drink alcohol is the only way to prevent FASD.

Why the message matters

Pregnancies are not always planned, and someone may not know they are pregnant during the early weeks of pregnancy. That is why clear, accessible information about alcohol and pregnancy matters. Just One Choice UK encourages people to think about the choices they make around alcohol and pregnancy. It is about awareness, information and informed choice, rather than judgement. For some people, choosing not to drink may be straightforward. For others, it may be more difficult. The important thing is that people have accurate information and feel supported in making their own decisions.

Where Best Bar None Scotland fits in

Best Bar None Scotland is committed to safer socialising and supporting licensed venues in creating safe, welcoming environments for their customers. That includes recognising that not everyone who visits a licensed venue wants to drink alcohol. A customer may be pregnant, trying to become pregnant, supporting a pregnant friend or partner, or simply choosing not to drink. Whatever the reason, having attractive alcohol-free and low-alcohol options available gives people greater choice without requiring them to explain or justify their decision. There should be no pressure to drink and no judgement when someone chooses not to.

For BBNS venues, supporting customers also means understanding the wider issues that can affect people when they are socialising. Public health, social responsibility, customer wellbeing and staff knowledge are all part of the standards that underpin Best Bar None Scotland.

Supporting informed choices

The Just One Choice UK campaign provides an opportunity for venues, staff, customers, friends and families to talk more openly about alcohol and pregnancy. It is a message that can be shared simply and respectfully.

• Choosing not to drink during pregnancy can prevent FASD.

• Choosing an alcohol-free drink can help someone feel comfortable with their decision not to drink.

• Supporting someone rather than questioning why they are not drinking can make a difference.

• Sharing accurate information can help someone make an informed choice.

These are small actions, but they can contribute to a safer and more supportive social environment.

A message for everyone

You do not need to be pregnant to support the Just One Choice UK message. Everyone has a role to play in creating an environment where people can make informed choices about alcohol without pressure or judgement. Best Bar None Scotland is proud to support Just One Choice UK and its focus on raising awareness of FASD.

If you are pregnant, or think you could be pregnant, choosing not to drink alcohol is the safest choice for your baby.

Just One Choice. Make it count.

Best Bar None Scotland supports Just One Choice UK.