The empire teeters. Across the land, cities find themselves in the grip of discord and unrest. Moral depravities -- from the bawdy entertainments of backstreet theaters to the heinous acts of lawless gangs -- are at an all time high. Many commentators blame the easy availability of cheap alcohol. Is it time to forbid drinking?
Alcohol is not a refreshment fit for an upstanding empire.
We've always enjoyed our drink. It is not the root of our problems.
We'll permit drinking establishments -- and our Taxation Offices will take a nice slice.