Quaker whisky bottle

Quakers are not forbidden from taken alcohol (or tobacco), but most Quakers avoid them, or consume them moderately.

From Quaker Faith & Practice:

“In view of the harm done by the use of alcohol, tobacco and other habit-forming drugs, consider whether you should limit your use of them or refrain from using them altogether. Remember that any use of alcohol or drugs may impair judgment and put both the user and others in danger.”

Quaker breweries

In the 17th century, when Quakerism began, water supplies in many towns were often polluted and associated with disease outbreaks. Because beer was boiled during brewing, it was sometimes regarded as a safer option than untreated water. Several Quakers in the 17th century were involved in the brewing business — meaning some of the Society’s early funds came directly from alcohol sales.

However, during the 19th century, the Temperance Movement saw Quakers decide that alcohol wasn’t an Innocent Trade, and they actively campaigned against its consumption.

The Temperance Movement

Many Friends took an active role in the Temperance Movement of the 19th century and, in keeping with this tradition, Meeting Houses are today alcohol-free buildings.

In Britain, the earlier 18th century saw a massive increase in the consumption of spirits, mainly gin, rising from half a million gallons in 1684 to five and a half million by 1735. In 1751, London Yearly Meeting wrote the following:

“As temperance and moderation are virtues proceeding from true religion…we beseech all to be careful of their conduct and behaviour, abstaining from every appearance of evil; and excess in drinking has been too prevalent among many of the inhabitants of these nations, we commend to all Friends a watchful care over themselves, attended with a religious and prudent zeal against a practice so dishonourable and pernicious.”

This excess in drinking continued into the early 19th century, when alcohol was still often safer than the contaminated water of the day. Tea and coffee were also expensive, and alcohol was perceived as better suited to a day’s manual work for the working class. Another problem was the increase in the number of taverns opening up to serve a steady stream of customers.

From the 1820s onwards, various Nonconformist groups such as the Methodists, Quakers, and later The Salvation Army (founded in 1864), lobbied Parliament to restrict alcohol sales.

Quakers also became involved in the Temperance Movement through the chocolate trade — with the introduction of cocoa drinks in the 19th century. As part of being alcohol-free, Friends thought that cocoa, with its medicinal properties, would be a good alternative drink.

Quaker Action on Alcohol and Drugs (QAAD)

QAAD’s predecessor was formed in 1870 as the Friends Temperance Union and expressed the witness of many Quakers for total abstinence. Moral Welfare was added to the title in the 1960s, and the name was changed again to Quaker Action on Alcohol and Drugs in the 1990s. QAAD’s focus today continues the long-standing Quaker concern with the problems that can arise from alcohol and or gambling addiction.

QAAD produces briefings, information, and a newsletter called QAADRANT, as well as offering advice to individual Friends when requested.

Click here to visit QAAD’s website (opens in a new tab)

Quakers and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

Quakers also have a long tradition of supporting AA meetings. Visit the page on Alcoholics Anonymous for more information.

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