Drinking was a serious business.
It certainly was.
Years ago I called into The Brewery Tap in Sunderland, which stood on the corner of the large Vaux brewery site.
It was full, as usual, of drunken draymen - horse drawn drays in those days.
My pint was off, leading me to ask for it to be changed.
"I will give you another one," said the barmaid reluctantly.
At which a customer shouted: "Why aye man, free beer!"
"Who's he, like?" said another.
For an uncomfortable few seconds I was centre of attention.