@Skooba
I worked in FB for clubs and bars and mentally debated the whole idea of legalised drug dealing vs purveyor of nothing other than taste. In the end, I think you're wrong, but close.
Alcohol has a taste and the fermentation or distillation of drinks produces an effect that can't be created with ersatz drinks. The same goes for aging wine and other spirits.
As someone who worked in the industry, I went from drinking too much and 'dabbling' to near enough teetotal. I saw too many people go the other way.
The taste that goes with alcoholic drinks is lovely. An acquired taste perhaps or one that's best appreciated by an educated palate. When I do drink I like dark, fruity reds: Aglianico, Cab Sauv, Syrah and Dolcetto. I like to drink negronis, old fashioneds and dirty gin martinis. None of these can be replicated with non-alcoholic ingredients.
You cannot produce such delightful sparkling fruit drink for a sophisticated palate without various fermentation processes. Elderberry cordial is a perfect example. Delicious as is but even nicer after a few weeks (2 months) fermentation where there's negligible alcohol content but the flavours are improved immensely.
The alcohol is of course a draw. People like its effects and arguing against this would be ridiculous. I do know plenty of people for whom the effect is secondary to the taste though.
As for the emperor's new clothes, I suggest you do a little reading about the history of booze. It's been around for a good sight longer than emperors.
@minisausage
No, it's no a lot really. not unless it's every night. I suspect it altered his mood or character slightly but that doesn't mean it's a bad thing. It's unlikely to have been enough to have made him act stupidly. Perhaps a little lethargically but while you can argue it's putting drinking ahead of family, it comes down to how often he does this. Infrequently, who cares?
FWIW, I think those who come into their own after a few drinks or who can hold a coherent conversation after 4 doubles are the ones who need to worry. It should have an effect on you. If it doesn't, your body has learned to cope with a fair amount of booze and you need to think about the how / why it has.