Drinking is frequently described as a contemporary, worsening and peculiarly British social problem that requires radical remedial regulation. Comparative data, however, undermines such views and historical research shows that extreme bouts of alarm about drinking have occurred in this country for at least four centuries. So why is Britain such a fertile breeding ground for public anxieties about alcohol? This innovative book takes a genealogical look at both public attitudes and the regulation of alcohol in England and Wales. It draws on the concept of moral regulation and makes extensive use ... More

Drinking is frequently described as a contemporary, worsening and peculiarly British social problem that requires radical remedial regulation. Comparative data, however, undermines such views and historical research shows that extreme bouts of alarm about drinking have occurred in this country for at least four centuries. So why is Britain such a fertile breeding ground for public anxieties about alcohol? This innovative book takes a genealogical look at both public attitudes and the regulation of alcohol in England and Wales. It draws on the concept of moral regulation and makes extensive use of press and legal sources in its analysis. Ultimately it is argued that, rather than a response to current behavioural trends,the continuing anxiety apparent in how we think about and regulate alcohol is best understood as a historic hangover which derives, in particular, from the Victorian period. The product of several years of research, this book is essential reading for students, academics and anyone with a serious interest in understanding Britain’s ‘drink problem’.