popa said: “especially drinks other than wine, (for which there is NO MITZVA)
That is not at all pashut. It is not the pashtus of the shulchan oruch or the gemara. Even if some acharonim say that, you can’t claim that so definitely.”
Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l held like that, and also the 47 rabbonim who signed the proclamation in 2008 held like that.
mw13 said: “Huh? Coming out against giving drinks to minors is a far cry from saying nobody should get drunk on Purim.”
That’s true. What I meant was that even if it’s okay to get mamash drunk, (which MANY gedolei haposkim are VERY against), there are still restrictions. Here is part of the text of the Agudah’s statement:
1. The mitzva of “Chayav Adam l’v’sumet b’Purya…” is only with wine as it is stated in Chayei Adam (155:30) and Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (142:6). Free use of whiskey and other alcoholic beverages is entirely inappropriate and contrary to da’as Chachomim.
2. Ba’alei Batim should not serve any alcoholic beverages, including wine, to groups of bochurim visiting their homes.
3. Those who drive under the influence of alcohol not only endanger themselves but all their passengers and other members of the public. Drivers must therefore not consume any alcoholic beverages, including wine, and must take extra care to drive safely, observing all applicable laws and safety procedures.
4. Nobody should enter a car if there is reason to believe that the driver is under the influence of alcohol, and all reasonable steps should be taken to prevent such an individual from driving.