Why Coffee Was Once Banned

By the 17th century, coffeehouses had spread across the Middle East and Europe and quickly became places where people exchanged news. They read fresh news sheets aloud, argued, made deals, and stayed longer than in any other establishment.

Sobriety mattered too. Unlike in a tavern, conversations here took place with clear heads and could last all day, while visitors paid little and could listen in - entry was inexpensive and open to almost everyone.

That last line captures the whole complaint. A place where people stayed sober, lingered, and talked about the city's affairs looked more dangerous to the authorities than a place where everyone left by evening, unable to remember the conversation.

Almost every attempt to close coffeehouses failed within a matter of weeks or months. There were too many establishments, the tax revenue they generated was too valuable to ignore, and the discontent was too visible.

Usually, it ended in a compromise. Instead of a ban, authorities introduced licenses, taxes, and a requirement that owners be responsible for what was said under their roof - regulation proved more convenient than closure.

This had almost nothing to do with religious debates over whether the drink was acceptable. Theological discussions did take place, but they mostly came out in favor of coffee, while coffeehouses were closed for purely secular reasons.