While the goal of a completely alcohol-free month is a noble one, new research from Isle of Wight Distillery, makers of Mermaid Gin, has revealed that for many in Leeds, the resolve broke well before the final weekend.
The data suggests that rather than a lack of willpower, Leeds drinkers are simply opting for a more mindful and flexible approach to their habits.
Instead of the rigid, all-or-nothing rules of previous years, 2026 has seen a shift toward moderation, with many locals choosing when to indulge rather than strictly following a calendar.
This trend is particularly pronounced among the city's younger population, with Gen Z and Millennial drinkers leading the charge in mindful drinking.
So, as Dry January comes to an end this year, and with curiosity around low-tide cocktails and lower-ABV classic reimagining on the rise, just how long did Leeds stay dry for - and were we the longest or shortest in the UK?
1. Manchester (Day 7)
The Dry January resolution in Manchester seemed to hit a brick wall exactly one week in. While the city’s social scene is legendary, it appears that the temptation of a weekend pint in the Northern Quarter is too much for many to resist, making Mancunians the first on our list to return to the taps. | Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images
2. Leeds (Day 10)
Matching the stamina of its northern neighbours, Leeds manages to reach double digits before the moderation fades. The city found its breaking point just as the second weekend of the month rolls around, with the average resident reaching for a glass by Day 10. | James Hardisty
3. Newcastle (Day 10)
It was a three-way tie at the 10-day mark, and Newcastle was right in the thick of it. Despite the chilly Geordie winter, locals here managed a solid run before the city’s famous nightlife called them back to the Bigg Market. | NCJ Media/LDRS
4. Glasgow (Day 10)
Glaswegians showed a fair bit of grit, making it to Day 10 on average. The all-or-nothing approach to January sobriety started to lose its appeal for many just as the mid-month stretch began to loom over the Clyde. | Jane Barlow
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5. Birmingham (Day 10.5)
The West Midlands hub squeezed out an extra half-day of willpower compared to the North. Birmingham residents typically held out until the afternoon of the eleventh day, showing a slightly more sustained effort toward their New Year's resolutions. | Getty Images Photo: Christopher Furlong
6. London (Day 11)
Despite the volume of bars and social pressures in the capital, Londoners managed to push through to Day 11. It was a respectable effort for a city that rarely sleeps and where after-work drinks remained a staple of the professional culture throughout the month. | Getty Images