The Oktoberfest celebration in Penang next week will see non-alcoholic beverages served alongside their alcoholic counterpart, both to address drink driving concerns and to keep up with the current trend in Germany.

Malaysian-German Society (MGS) Oktoberfest chairperson Dr Wolfgang Mark said non-alcoholic drinks are now popular in Germany, as they are similar in taste to regular beer.

“Many have been drinking and driving after the Oktoberfest events, so we have decided to include alcohol-free beer. All can have a good (time) and not drive home drunk,” Mark said in a press conference.

The society, which has been organising the popular Oktoberfest event since 1973, will hold the festival at Jalan Air Itam in Penang, from Oct 13 to 14...