Alcohol and Freemasonry   

By 1897 22 0f the 48 Grand Lodges in America had passed laws forbidding Lodges from accepting petitions from men engaged in the saloon business. (See "Who's Afraid of Freemasons?" by Piatigorsky page 179)  (NOTE: In 1897 there were still areas of the country that were territories and not states.  Perhaps these territories had their own Grand Lodges.  I do not know.  Information would be appreciated.)

I find this rather interesting since in the early years of American Freemasonry the Lodges met in drinking establishments.

In Pennsylvania alcohol is forbidden at Masonic meetings and Masons cannot serve alcohol to anyone on Lodge property.  At least this is true for the Blue Lodges.  I do not know about the Consistory or the Shrine. I also do not know the rules of other states.  I am not quite sure but there may be an exception to this rule when a Lodge holds a Table Lodge.

For information about using Alcohol at the Wilmington Masonic Hall please see Alcohol Use at Wilmington Masonic Hall.