At the time, alcohol consumption in France was at its highest, and very widespread among young people. And so the decision to place an age limit and ban wasn’t supported by everyone. Even the authorities, as it happens.
Of course eventually, the ban was extended to all school children, and most teachers were grateful, given that inebriated children would usually end up sleeping through lessons, show signs of inattentiveness, or hyperactivity.
In an attempt to reduce alcoholism and addiction amongst these children, the tradition was replaced with campaigns to drink milk, sold with slogans such as: “To be studious, strong and vigorous, drink milk!”
As recent as it may seem, it was only in September 1981, shortly after the election of François Mitterrand, that alcoholic drinks were banned from high schools once and for all, when water became the only drink encouraged at the table. “In canteens and school restaurants, no alcoholic beverages are to be served, even if water is cut off,” said Alain Savary, Minister of National Education at the time.