Article April 26, 1969 Issue

Soft Drinks or Hard?

[For young adults]

J. THOMAS BLACK

People often feel they have to drink to gain business success or social acceptance. They usually think of it as a simple, harmless pleasure: a few rounds with a client to firm up a business deal, a little fellowship at the officers' club.

Several years ago when I was in the Navy, I had an experience I'll never forget. Our squadron was new, and the pilots were gathered at our Skipper's house for a get-acquainted cocktail party. The Skipper was tending bar and asked what I would have to drink. "Just a ginger ale," I replied. He served it without batting an eye, although some of the others smiled knowingly at one another. I ignored them.

A few minutes later the Executive Officer ambled by and casually brought up the subject of etiquette. He politely made the point that when anyone, especially a junior officer, visited in his Skipper's home he was expected to drink liquor if it was served.

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