GC19 Attitude to Liquor Traffic (1960A743)

Attitude of the Church to the Traffic: 

The phrase “hostility to the traffic” was used by the 6th General Council, and in the Record of Proceedings of the 8th, 9th, and 13th General Councils there is reference to “the uncompromising hostility” of the United Church to the beverage alcohol business. Similar positions have been taken by other churches in both Canada and the United States.

The hostility of the United Church has been expressed in such ways as:

1. opposition to any increase in the number and variety of outlets;
2. support of efforts to reduce hours of sale and reduce consumption;
3. encouragement of local option votes to register public opinion;
4. approval of higher taxation on beer, wine, and spirits;
5. opposition to advertising of liquor and beer products;
6. opposition to locating liquor outlets in vicinity of schools and churches.

Recommendation

THAT our church policy be:

1. Active resistance to the evils of the liquor traffic.

2. Responsible concern for the widespread problems it creates, in which we must share responsibility. 

3. A vigorous witness to our Christian principles.

4. A personal dedication to the will of God.

Tax Revenues from the Operation of the Traffic: 

In most parts of the country the taxes and other governmental revenues from the beverage alcohol traffic are part of the public purse.  The use of such money accustoms legislatures to an attitude of dependence upon this source of revenue and militates against any governmental regulation of the traffic that might jeopardize or lessen these taxes.

Recommendation

THAT a substantially larger share of government revenue be spent for such purposes as:

1. The underwriting of alcohol education in schools and colleges.

2. The rehabilitation of alcoholics and other victims of the drinking habit.
    

GC19 1960 ROP, pp. 58, 64, 265-300