Will drink be banned in the UK?

London, 30 March 1915 - A deputation of shipbuilders has met leading politicians in London to urge the total prohibition of alcohol in the United Kingdom for the duration of the war.

The deputation said that all across the country there were men doing extraordinary work, but that others were much less productive because of drinking.

It was further argued that mere restrictions on time of sale was not enough and that around 80% of absenteeism was drink-related.

The deputation was told by David Lloyd George, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, that he agreed fully with their arguments. He continued: ‘We are fighting Germany, Austria and drink, and as far as I can see the greatest of these three deadly foes is drink.’

A letter from his Majesty

A letter written by King George V to Mr. Lloyd George offers a clear endorsement of prohibition: ‘It is, without doubt, largely due to drink that we are unable to secure the output of war material indispensable to meet the requirements of our Army in the field, and that there has been such serious delay on the conveyance of the necessary reinforcements and supplies to aid our gallant troops at the front.’

King George V has suggested forgoing alcohol himself, in solidarity with his subjects, should alcohol be prohibited for the duration of the war. (Image: © National Portrait Gallery, London)

The letter continued with the assertion that the King would be ‘prepared to set the example by giving up all alcoholic liquor himself and issuing orders against its consumption in the Royal Household, so that no difference shall be made so far as his Majesty is concerned between the treatment of rich and poor in this question.’

Government policy on the matter is expected to be clarified in the coming days.

[Editor's note: This is an article from Century Ireland, a fortnightly online newspaper, written from the perspective of a journalist 100 years ago, based on news reports of the time.]