A Drinking Problem

Although affluent citizens enjoyed entertainment and lively political conversation in taverns, a law was passed in 1762 prohibiting laborers and servants from gambling at any place that sold liquor in Charles Town. Many citizens of the upper class believed such activities were contributing to the growing numbers of poor people, forcing the Anglican Church to request more tax money to help the growing indigent population. This tax increase didn't set well with many wealthy citizens, thereby prompting the ban on gambling for the working class.