Beer And Freemasons: Drinking Before Lodge Meetings

Freemasonry has a long and complex relationship with alcohol. While drinking is prohibited at lodge meetings and in lodge rooms, it is common for members to drink together after meetings, at dinners, and during travel. In fact, the current grand master of the Grand Lodge of California, Arthur Weiss, says that his Masonic career began over a beer. However, the rules around alcohol vary by jurisdiction, with some lodges banning alcohol completely, and others allowing it in moderation. For example, lodges in the UK and Germany are allowed to serve alcohol, while most lodges in the US do not allow alcohol at all. Some jurisdictions allow alcohol to be served in the lodge, depending on the state. In Massachusetts, alcohol is allowed in lodges but only after the meeting, and there is one lodge with a charter signed by Paul Revere that offers every member a cup of rum punch before the meeting. In California, drinking is prohibited at lodge meetings and in lodge rooms, but members often drink together after meetings and during dinners.

Freemasons are not required to drink alcohol

Some lodges hold dinners or social events after meetings where alcohol may be served, but attendance and consumption are always optional. It is important to note that Freemasonry preaches "temperance" and not "abstinence," meaning that while alcohol may be present, it is expected to be consumed in moderation.

Additionally, some lodges have rules prohibiting alcohol storage in the lodge building or advertising alcohol in event announcements. These rules vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific lodge, so it is advisable to check with the local lodge and Grand Lodge for their specific policies.

Overall, while alcohol may be present at some Freemason events, it is not a requirement for members to drink, and there are always non-alcoholic alternatives available.

Alcohol is banned in some lodges

Alcohol is banned in some Freemason lodges. While the consumption of alcohol is not a requirement for members, some lodges have strict rules against drinking. In some cases, this is due to the influence of the temperance movement, which was particularly strong in the US, where most Freemason lodges are based. In other cases, it is due to the personal preferences of members, who may be teetotal, or have religious reasons for not drinking alcohol.

Some lodges have a 'dry' policy, forbidding alcohol on the premises at all times. In other lodges, alcohol may be consumed at certain times, such as during a meal after a meeting, or at a 'table lodge', a formal meal with a ceremonial series of toasts. In some lodges, alcohol is allowed in the building, but not in the lodge room itself. In others, alcohol is allowed in the lodge room, but not during meetings.

In some jurisdictions, alcohol is banned in lodges by the Grand Lodge, the governing body of Freemasonry in that jurisdiction. In other cases, individual lodges are allowed to decide their own alcohol policies. In some jurisdictions, lodges are not allowed to sell alcohol, but members are allowed to bring their own drinks.

Some lodges have a bar in the building, which can be a source of income through rentals for events such as weddings. In some cases, lodges are not allowed to store alcohol on the premises.

Alcohol is allowed in some lodges

Alcohol is allowed in some Freemason lodges, but the rules vary depending on the jurisdiction and location of the lodge. In some cases, lodges may allow alcohol to be served in the lodge after meetings have concluded, or during special events such as weddings or other non-Masonic functions. Some lodges also hold "table lodges", which are formal meals with a ceremonial series of toasts that may involve wine or other alcoholic beverages. However, it is important to note that the consumption of alcohol is not required for Freemasons, and some lodges may have stricter rules prohibiting alcohol on their premises.

In the United States, the rules regarding alcohol in lodges tend to be more restrictive, with many lodges prohibiting alcohol completely. However, there are some exceptions, such as lodges in Massachusetts and Ohio, which have lifted their prohibition on alcohol with certain conditions. Additionally, some jurisdictions in the US are revisiting the idea of allowing alcohol in lodges, with mixed responses from members.

In contrast, lodges in other parts of the world, such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, and Croatia, tend to have more relaxed rules regarding alcohol. For example, the Grand National Lodge of France has a complete bar and wine cellar in its building. Similarly, lodges in Scotland may have a bar in their robing room, and the Mother Kilwinning Lodge operates a pub/social club for members and their guests.

It is worth noting that even in lodges where alcohol is permitted, there is typically an emphasis on moderation and responsibility. Additionally, non-alcoholic alternatives are usually offered, and individuals are not forced to consume alcohol if they choose not to. Ultimately, the rules regarding alcohol in Freemason lodges can vary widely, and it is advisable to check with the specific lodge or Grand Lodge in your area to understand their policies.

Alcohol is allowed in some lodges, but not during meetings

Alcohol policies vary across Masonic lodges. While some lodges prohibit alcohol on their premises, others allow alcohol to be served in certain areas of the building, but not during meetings. In some cases, lodges may close the meeting and then adjourn to a nearby tavern for refreshments, which may include alcohol.

In the United States, most lodges do not allow alcohol at all, but some jurisdictions permit it to be served in specific areas of the lodge, depending on the state. For example, lodges in Ohio and North Carolina have prohibited alcohol, while those in Massachusetts and Texas allow it only after meetings. In Pennsylvania, the ruling against alcohol is seen by some members as outdated, as it dates back to the era of national prohibition.

Outside of the US, lodges in the UK, Germany, Belgium, and Croatia are among those that allow alcohol. For instance, the Grand Lodge of Scotland has a bar that serves drinks to members while they prepare for meetings, although alcohol is not allowed to be sold while the lodge is in session. Similarly, lodges in British Columbia and Yukon, Canada, can store and sell alcohol, with profits from sales funding meals after meetings.

While alcohol policies differ, lodges generally emphasise moderation and responsibility when consuming alcohol. Some lodges have a designated officer to ensure that members do not drink excessively.

Some lodges have a bar

While the consumption of alcohol is banned in most Masonic lodges, some lodges do have a bar. In the United States, lodges in Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin, for example, prohibit alcohol on their premises. However, some lodges in other states, such as Massachusetts, do serve alcohol. In some cases, lodges may serve alcohol only after meetings or only during special events. For instance, lodges in California can have alcohol during events but not while the lodge is open. Similarly, lodges in the UK and Europe tend to be more relaxed about alcohol consumption, with lodges in Scotland, Germany, Belgium, and Croatia serving alcohol during meetings or at festive boards.

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