This book looks at how British politicians and policy makers have grappled with one enduring social problem, "Drink", since 1830. Throughout this period the alcohol question was constantly re-defined and the discourse of debate altered, as the issue was successively seen in terms of free trade, moral virtue, social reform, national efficiency and leisure. Drawing upon extensive archival and primary sources, John Greenaway uses the issue to illuminate the changing political process and the nature of policy making in Britain.