A visitor to Bath expressed surprise upon discovering that alcohol was being sold inside a local church. Paul Treacy, 49, was at St Michael’s Church on Broad Street when he noticed customers being served cider in the church’s café.
“I did a double take. I thought, ‘I’m seeing things,'” Paul said. “I was flabbergasted. Alcohol seems to be everywhere these days, but I wouldn’t expect it to be served in a church. The only alcohol I associate with a church is communion wine.”
Paul, who was raised in a household where heavy drinking was common, is concerned about the message that selling alcohol in a church might send. He also worries about how it could affect homeless visitors to the church, many of whom struggle with substance issues.
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Despite his reservations, Paul continues to value the church for its community work. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great church, but I don’t understand why they’ve chosen to do this.”
Christian perspectives on alcohol vary widely. Certain denominations, like the Methodists and the Mormon church, discourage alcohol consumption. Others believe moderate drinking is acceptable, pointing out that Jesus drank wine and famously turned water into wine at a wedding, as described in the Gospel of John.
St Michael’s Church, also known as St Michael’s Without, is nearly 900 years old and has been rebuilt three times. It is part of the Church of England and holds regular Sunday services.
A church representative commented, “At St Michael’s, we care deeply for our entire community, especially those most vulnerable. We work alongside other agencies to meet their needs appropriately.
“We hold a license to sell alcohol on the premises as part of our café and events operations and take our responsibilities as a licensee very seriously.”