In Bavaria, beer is legally defined as a staple food.
{And we all raise our glasses and say, “Cheers!”}
In ancient Babylonia, according to The Code of Hammurabi of c. 1750 B.C., a merchant could be put to death for diluting beer.
{Ouch! That could make you think a couple of times before opening that brew pub. 😉 Wait – isn’t that what “Big Beer” has done in current times? Hmm, should we bring back that section of the ancient code?}
In olden times the purity of water could not often be guaranteed, thus alcoholic drinks were a popular choice for obvious reason.
{So the choice was; to be sober and sick, or buzzed and healthy. Take your pick.}