BRITISH drinkers are snubbing strong continental lagers, forcing brewers to launch weaker versions of them.

Lagers such as Stella Artois and Beck’s, which contain about 5% alcohol, will soon be sold alongside weaker sister brands with an alcohol content of 3-4%.

Beck’s Green Lemon, a citrus-flavoured beer containing 2.5% alcohol, is to be launched shortly. And Budweiser recently announced Bud Silver, a 4% beer that will be sold in a pint bottle with a “gripper” handle so as not to appear to be a wimp’s drink.

The trend is being fuelled by a slump in demand for premium lagers among health-conscious drinkers. Over the past year, Tesco, Britain’s biggest supermarket chain, has seen sales of weaker lagers rise 16%. The trend has been mirrored in pubs and off licences across the country.

In contrast, premium lagers have lost 3% of their market share.

Peeterman Artois, which is 4% alcohol, will be sold alongside Stella, which has an alcohol content of 5.2%.

Earlier this year, Beck’s launched Vier, a 4% lager, and Carling has spent £2m on marketing its C2 2% lager. Meanwhile, Guinness is trailing Mid-Strength, a 2.8% version of its stout, in Ireland.

Other brewers have gone further by cutting the alcohol content of their leading brands. The strength of both Tennents and Old Speckled Hen ale has been lowered to 4.5%.

“Five years ago Stella Artois was king but now there is no doubt that it has lost some of its appeal,” said Adam Withrington, of The Publican newspaper.

“People want easier drinking beers and want to be able to enjoy a session while avoiding a hangover the next day.”

Jo Grobel, of The Morning Advertiser, a newspaper for the pub trade, said: “Mid-week drinkers want to go out and be sociable without having to nurse a lemonade. People are increasingly opting for lower-calorie foods and they seem to think that lower-strength beer is a healthier option.”

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