Dry February: 90,000 give up alcohol for a month

More than 90,000 people in Belgium have signed up for a month without alcohol, as this year's Tournée Minérale gets under way.

Sales of alcoholic drinks fell by 15% during last year's first edition, to the concern of the drinks industry trade body, Febed, and a study by the University of Ghent found those who took part in last year's dry February changed their drinking habits for the better over the rest of the year.

"The more people register, the more there is a sense of community," said Steven De Bondt, a spokesman for the Foundation Against Cancer. "What's important for us is that it starts a debate about excessive alcohol consumption."

The Tournée Minérale is a play on the term tournée générale meaning “a round for everyone”. According to the campaign, taking a break from alcohol will help you to sleep better, lose weight and have more energy as well as improve your skin.