SUCCESS STORY

Reducing packaging costs and increasing footfall: Beer No Evil

Beer No Evil is a specialist off-licence and bar in Worthing, West Sussex, built around refill, reuse, and plastic-free retail. They needed to control input costs and energy use and reduce packaging waste.

Impact at a glance

• Reduced packaging and input costs by eliminating single-use plastics and introducing refill systems
• Increased footfall and customer loyalty through visible sustainability initiatives and community engagement

The business

Beer No Evil is an independent specialist beer and wine retailer and bar, opened in 2018 with sustainability as a core operating principle.

The premises is fitted out using recycled materials, including reclaimed scaffold boards and pallets.

Sector: Retail and hospitality

Location: Worthing

Size: 2-10 employees

Why they took action

Beer No Evil was founded with the aim of operating a viable retail and hospitality business without relying on single-use plastics or high-waste supply chains. Located in a coastal town, the business was particularly conscious of plastic pollution and the reputational and environmental risks associated with it.

As a small independent retailer, controlling input costs, energy use, and packaging waste was also important for maintaining margins while standing out in a competitive local market.

What they did

Medium cost actions

Upgraded lighting in the main retail space and refrigeration units to energy-efficient LED systems following the COVID period

No cost to low cost actions

Eliminated single-use plastic items across the business, including plastic cups and snack packaging. Nuts are served in reusable ramekins, and crisps are sourced in compostable packaging.

Selected ceramic bottle lids rather than plastic alternatives, ensuring materials are environmentally inert if lost in the coastal environment.

Sourced beers and wines exclusively from European producers to avoid long-distance shipping emissions, with a focus on organic and low-intervention wine producers using sustainable farming practices.

Runs a monthly beach clean, reinforcing the business’s role in the local community and coastal environment.

Introduced a glass bottle refill system for beer, allowing customers to reuse bottles rather than purchasing new packaging each time. Wine refills are offered in reusable glass flagons filled under pressure to maintain quality.

What difference it made

Removing single-use plastic packaging reduced recurring purchasing costs for snacks and drinks service. The refill system for beer and wine avoids repeated expenditure on disposable bottles while strengthening customer loyalty through repeat visits.

The switch to LED lighting also reduced electricity costs, with firms who install such typically seeing a 50% reduction in lighting costs [link to ROI information added]. Community initiatives such as the monthly beach clean have increased footfall by attracting new customers, many of whom return as regular visitors.

Recognition through sustainability-focused awards and nominations has further raised the business’s profile, supporting growth by appealing to a broad customer base beyond those actively seeking “eco” businesses.

How were the changes funded?

Most actions were implemented at little or no cost through changes in sourcing and operating practices. Targeted investments, such as LED lighting upgrades, were funded from the business’s own resources.

Lessons for other businesses

Beer No Evil shows how small retail and hospitality businesses can reduce costs and build customer loyalty by eliminating single-use plastics, prioritising reuse, and embedding sustainability into everyday operations. Visible, practical initiatives — such as refill systems and community clean-ups — can strengthen reputation, increase footfall, and support commercial success without requiring major capital investment.

Find out more about Beer No Evil