Did they use real beer when filming 'Cheers'?

DID YOU KNOW? Fred Dryer appeared on a few Cheers episodes as TV sportsman Dave Richards. In real life, Dryer tried his hand at sportscasting ... In fact, it was "near beer," with an alcohol content of 3.2 percent, and a pinch of salt added so that the mug kept a foamy head under the hot studio lights. read more

It was technically what was known as "near beer" with an alcohol content of 3.2 percent. The bar was fully stocked but since TV standards and practices prohibit drinking beer on TV, they used "near beer". read more

norm drank "near beer." Although the Cheers bar was fully functional—and many NBC after-hours parties were held on the set—the suds served to George Wendt weren't exactly a tasty microbrew. In fact, it was "near beer," with an alcohol content of 3.2 percent and a pinch of salt added so that the mug kept a foamy head under the hot studio lights. read more