Concerning the third question (sale of alcoholic drinks at
Bahá'í-owned premises and restaurants), the beloved Guardian has asked me to
point out that this practice is highly improper and reprehensible and would be
tantamount to encouraging acts that are forbidden in the Faith. It is indeed
the conscientious duty of every true Bahá'í to abandon such practices. However,
should a Bahá'í owner rent his property without himself taking any part
whatever in the business, or giving aid to the tenant, then he would incur no
responsibility. Nevertheless, the landlord should resort to every possible
means to rid his premises of the defilement of this degrading business; how far
more injurious if he himself were engaged in such repugnant affairs. - Shoghi Effendi (From a
letter dated 6 November 1935 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to a National Spiritual Assembly translated from
the Persian; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Prohibition on Drinking
Alcohol)
