A mock propaganda poster, produced a year or two after the end of the war, lamenting the continued absinthe ban. President Poincare stands astride the slain female embodiment of absinthe, as the war rages behind him. Image source: absinthes.com

January 7, Paris–As its consumption was viewed to be deleterious to the war effort, the French ministry today banned the sale of Absinthe, a move that would be written into law by the end of March. The government also banned the opening of new liquor stores, though old ones were left unmolested. Many countries took steps against alcohol during the war; prohibitionism was in vogue worldwide, and it was thought such steps might increase productivity on the home front. The Russians had earlier banned vodka; this moved did not go nearly as far as vodka in Russia was always far more popular than absinthe in France. However, this ban would be far more long-lasting; absinthe would not be legal in France until 2011.

Sourcs include: Randal Gray, Chronicle of the First World War (Volume I).