I have never signed any temperance pledges and have never been invited to do so. I can understand why such a viewpoint is held - many men and some women neglect their families due to excessive drinking expenditure. That probably is an attitude 'as old as the hills', as they say.
Given that beer was usually a much safer beverage, in moderation of course, than water in the past I do wonder what the statistics re death are, for instance, during the 18th. and 19th. centuries.
Were more deaths due to alcohol or more due to serious illnesses, usually contagious, from contaminated water? I am sure it would be the latter.
Wine is produced in a great many countries, not just the warmer sunnier ones. British wines are reported very good on the whole. Again wine was a much safer bet than water in past times and still is in many areas of the world.
Apart from a sip of communion wine I rarely drink alcoholic beverages of any type. I made a rule, in 1965 when I joined the Fire service never to drink and drive. I maintain that stance today, but now and again, usually in the evening when I know I will not be driving, I might have a small ale, stout or a glass of wine with a meal.