Yes I am aware of the Mary England concept and the oft exaggeration of peasant ways.

I have also studied the folk music of the NE england specifically Newcastle upon Tyne in great depth.

Yes folk music exaggerates however, the topic has been well discussed and the consensus is that the level of moderation upheld in 17th and 19th century Newcastle was significantly higher than it is in most american urban centers today. There is much historical news reporting of the various huge street celebrations from local papers as well as personal accounts.

On the more formal social side from England see-

Excess and the Mean in Early Modern English Literature
Joshua Scodel
Princeton 2002

This is a great source.

The concept of american puritanical minimal or no drinking is very recent development and has nothing to do with proper folk practice.

Having only minimal drink is a halmark of the american Yuppie elitist.

Remember, if they are not spending an excessive amount of money the world is not right. So we all suffer as prices rise to their ability to pay not ours.

Conrad