My position is regarding paid performances, regardless of the setting. Your are getting paid to perform, not to drink.

I don't accept the British and Irish "music is only traditional if the performer is drinking or under the influence" arguments. If you want to drink, sing from the audience. If you want to perform, be professional.

Like I said earlier, it is my perception that excess drinking is not only tolerated more in Britain and Ireland, but there is a tremendous amount of pressure for performers to go along with it. I also found there are some professional musicians who did not drink when they were performing. But I also felt that the level of musicianship at the gigs and sessions I went to suffered a great deal for that. I never drink to excess anymore, so I tended to remain sober while everyone around me was getting drunk at sessions. The music definitely didn't get better as the night went on for those who were drinking to excess, but everyone sure seemed to think it did.

And as far as drinking on stage in formal concert settings, I can't recall seeing anyone do it. If they were drinking, the liquor was disguised in cups or bottles.

I used to be involved with our local concert hall that booked British and Celtic music acts. If they showed up under the influence, the house policy was never to book them again, and that was included in their contract. That was back in the early 90s, before British and Celtic music acts got the hint that their "traditional drinking habits" wouldn't be tolerated.