The table of convictions for drunkenness corresponds broadly with that of consumption. The following figures are taken from the licensing statistics of the Home Office: England and Wales Convictions for Drunkenness Year Convictions Year Convictions 1905 . . . . 207,171 1910 . . . 161,992 1906 . . . . 199,014 1911 . . . . 172,130 1907 . . . 197,064 1912 . . . 182,592 1908 . . . . 187,803 1913 . . . 188,877 1909 . . . . 169,518 1914 . . . . 183.828 The table shows a fall corresponding with that of consump tion down to 1910 and then a rise preceding the war; thereafter a rapid fall down to 1918, with a subsequent rise in 1919-20, followed by a pretty level rate, with a sharp fall for the year 1926, which was signalized by the general strike and the seven months' mining struggle. The general correspondence between the police figures and the statistics of consumption proves the trustworthi ness of the former, which is further confirmed by the medical records: State Control.—Other points in war experiments remain to be considered in view of temperance activities. One of these is State control. It was adopted in South Carolina in 1893 and was inaugurated for Russia in 1895. It was brought to the front in Great Britain by the war experience. Among the powers con ferred on the Liquor Control Board were those of purchasing and carrying on the trade, which meant State purchase. The Board made use of these powers to a very limited extent, directly con nected with the war. In 1926 it took over the trade in f our areas —Cromarty and Invergordon—at the instance of the Admiralty, Enfield at that of the Ministry of Munitions, Carlisle and the adjoining district of Gretna because of an enormous factory erected for munitions. The Carlisle and Gretna area is the only one of permanent importance. It was placed under the usual re strictions in Nov. 1915, but they failed to prevent an immense increase of drunkenness due to the presence of 22,000 navvies, engaged on construction work (the figures were given by the resident engineer). The board felt impelled to take drastic action and began the process, in Jan. 1916, by purchasing public-houses in the villages. Its operations were gradually extended until they embraced an area of about 500 sq.m. with a population of 140,00o, in which Carlisle (52,000) was the only considerable town. The changes introduced into the liquor trade included: (I) Its concentration, (2) reduction in the number of licensed houses, (3) their re-arrangement and improvement, (4) the pro vision of meals, (5) salaried managers, (6) minor changes includ ing the abolition of "grocers' licences." All these were very thor oughly carried out in the years following. In Carlisle itself only two establishments, a hotel and a restaurant, remain outside the State scheme, which has been carried on by the Home Office, after the dispersal of the Control Board in 1921.
The competition of clubs has been mentioned above. By the act of 1921 the hours of sale are the same as for the public house, and registration has been compulsory since 1903, which involves power to strike a club off the roll for misconduct. But clubs are in a privileged position, and since the war they have increased steadily and rapidly from 7,972 in 1918 to 12,48o in 1927, while public-houses have become fewer, as already shown. A large number of the clubs are political, and there is a strong agitation for freeing them from all restrictions; while, on the other hand, the unfair competition with the public-house is insisted on.
The Temperance (Scotland) Act has no connection with the World War ; it was passed in 1913, but did not come into operation until 1920. It is a local option act, which gives constituencies the power :
To remain as they are, (2) to vote for limitation of licences, (3) to vote for no licence.
following figures, which give an estimate of the national expenditure in Great Britain on drink, have been supplied by the courtesy of the United Kingdom Alliance: Great Britain Per head of Year Expenditure population Taxation 1900 . . . 168,500,000
36,800,000 1913 . . . 153,500,000 3-12-5 34,800,000 1920 . • .
50— 0-0 i8i,000,000 1927 . . . 298,000p00 6-15-3 128,500,000 The great rise shown in 192o and 1927 over the previous figures is due to the high prices of drink caused mainly by taxation, though it is to be noted that, in 1927, the nation spent on drink alone, quite apart from tax, nearly 140,000,00o more than in 1900.
1927 a Licensing Act was passed by the Irish Free State following a commission of enquiry. The prin cipal measure was a reduction of the hours of sale; but the great change effected since the war was nation-wide Prohibition in the United States. It is separately dealt with (see PROHIBITION ), and therefore little will be said about it here. It was not due to the war, as for many years past individual States have been adopting Prohibition ; but the war gave a stimulus to the move ment, which in 1919 reached the point required for an amend ment to the Constitution. This step soon gave rise to an immense and interminable controversy, in which opinions of great weight can be quoted on both sides; but its effect outside the United States seemed rather to check the movement for Prohibition, which was at first stimulated by the action of the United States. What follows is taken from the International Record and other sources.
Austria. A great campaign for reform of the liquor laws is being carried on. The proposals include : (I) Prohibition of sale from noon on Saturday to Monday morning; (2) prohibition of sale to persons under 18; (3) gradual extinction of licences; (4) debts for drink to be irrecoverable; (5) local option.
Belgium. By a law promoted by M. Vandervelde the retail sale of spirits for consumption on the premises is prohibited, but consumption has increased.
Bulgaria. The director of health has proposed a bill pro viding for (I) Local option; (2) the limitation of licences in proportion to population; (3) other restrictions of locality; (4) hours of sale to be from 8 A.M. to mid-day and from 2 to 6 P.M. with closing on Sundays and holidays; (5) prohibition of sale to persons under 2o, sick people, students and police.
Czechoslovakia. An active campaign is being carried on under the presidency of Prof. Fourtka. Temperance teaching in schools is encouraged by the Government.
Denmark. The Temperance Commission appointed in
has issued a final report. The majority of nine members think that education will suffice ; the minority of six propose that the people shall have power locally to veto the granting of new licences and nationally to suppress liquor containing more than 2+% of alcohol.
Finland. Finland was the one Prohibition country on the Conti nent. It was adopted there in 1916. Drunkenness, however, was excessive and an unofficial plebiscite against Prohibition led in 1932 to its replacement with government control.