Availability
Thee availability of beer and spirit sellers was another contributing factor that led people to drink. Beer laws were passed that ended a system where beer-sellers had to obtain a license from a local magistrate. Rather, they were able to obtain a license at just two guineas per year from the excise department. Since drinking was so popular at the time, many merchants saw the financial benefits of selling beer and shops sprouted up all over England. The wealthy landowners certainly weren't going to use their power to usurp the passing of such laws since the barley that grew on their farms were being sold by the bushel in order to produce the beer. They were encouraging the massive alcohol consumption patterns through such laws. All in all, the economic status of the country provided the means for consumption since it was one of the few recreational activities the masses could afford, and the upper classes increased their wealth because of it (44).