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gin, first imported from the Netherlands in the 1690s, became an extremely
popular drink in the early 18th century. Politicians and religious
leaders began to argue that gin drinking encouraged laziness and criminal
behaviour. In 1729 Parliament passed a Gin Act
that increased the tax on the drink. This action was unpopular with
the working-classes and in 1743 resulted in riots in London. The crowd
ignored the magistrates reading of the Riot Act,
and a great deal of damage was done. The government responded by reducing
duties and penalties, claiming that moderate measures would be easier
to enforce.
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