Featured Image Credit: Getty/Nicolas Micolani/Olena Smyrnova
Topics: Alcohol
Danielle Fowler
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With Dry January well underway, Brits are searching for non-alcoholic alternatives to replace their favourite tipple.
But a word of caution has been issued for anyone planning to drink booze-free beverages that can make you feel ‘tipsy’.
Despite being legally available to buy in the UK, you need to think twice before getting behind the wheel after consuming a non-alcoholic beer, wine or spirit.
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Head of Roads Policy for The AA, Jack Cousens, told Tyla; “While these drinks may be alcohol-free, if someone feels tipsy, they should not drive.”
“Similar to taking medication that may cause drowsiness, drivers can still face penalties for getting behind the wheel when impaired.”
The stark warning comes off the back of buzz around non-alcoholic alternatives such as Sentia Spirits, Three Spirit Drinks, and Mother Root. There's been a lot of talk around Sentia Spirits in particular, as it was created by scientists to give users a feeling of 'tipsiness' - without the dreaded hangover.
Sentia has also warned people not to drive after consuming its booze-free drink GABA Red, which is designed for ‘relaxing moments’.
A statement on its website FAQs reads: ‘Some users have reported GABA Red making them drowsy, so we do not recommend driving after consuming GABA Red. Whilst there is nothing in the GABA Black blend that should impact driving, we recommend you use your best judgement.’
Sentia's non-alcoholic drinks, which are also available on Amazon US, work by tricking the brain’s internal chemistry into thinking it’s relaxed through the power of GABA.
GABA, formally referred to as gamma-aminobutyric acid, is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Sentia drinks activate this neurotransmitter in a similar way that a glass of wine or beer would and in turn, help you to feel relaxed or more social. Unlike alcohol, you won't be able to get drunk on the drink, but may reportedly feel a 'buzz'.
According to Gov.uk, alcohol-free products in the UK do not exceed 0.05% ABV. GABA drinks such as Sentia, do not contain alcohol or drugs, but the effects of the drink may inhibit your ability to drive due to drowsiness. The Sentia website states that the brand's drinks are ‘comprised of natural ingredients classified ‘food’ and ‘food supplements’, that have been used for centuries and that anyone can source’.
According to The AA, there isn't a specific offence of driving when tired, but doing so will significantly increase the chances of you committing other offences or causing a collision. The penalty for causing death by dangerous driving is up to 14 years imprisonment.