I don’t know if you’re aware, but pubs have been around for literally thousands of years. Google tells me that "The oldest known pub in England is a contested title, but The Old Ferry Boat Inn in Cambridgeshire is often cited, with claims of serving drinks since (560) AD. "

I’m sure there were a lot of alcoholics to frequent the place over the past 1500 years or so, but I’m willing to bet that there were a lot of other people who just wanted a meal and a good conversation most days.