It's Black Tot Day aka a sad day in the history of the British Navy! Exactly 52 years ago the British Navy cut off its daily rations of Rum.⁠ ⁠ British Naval officers used to get a glass of Rum every day at noon to keep their spirits up. Talk about job benefits, right?⁠ ⁠ The custom of Rum rations started way back in the 17th century and lasted for 315 years.⁠ It might have been reduced to a mere 1/8th of a pint by the end but that is some serious tradition.⁠ ⁠ The reason to the end of it all? Breathalyzer. The argument was if you cannot drive while intoxicated how can you operate a warship?⁠ ⁠ So on July 31st, 1970 at 6 bells in the forenoon watch (or 11 am to you and me), the cry for ‘Up Spirits’ was made for the last time.⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #BlackTotDay #RumRations #TheBritishNavy #HistoryOfSpirits #Rum #PussersRum #RumLover #RumLife #FunFact #HistoryFact #History