They have their respective bars on board. Officers Mess, Chief Petty Officers Mess and a Senior Ratings Mess. If the lads wanted a beer they could buy it from the 'Canman' in the little NAAFI on board.
I guess it's treating you as an adult, if you are not on duty then you can relax and have a beer or two! I joined the ship as a Staff Sergeant and was allocated the CPO's Mess as they didn't know what a Staff Sergeant was! I was subsequently promoted during that trip to Warrant Officer (which they knew, as they have a similar rank) and had to buy the 3 RN ships in the little flotilla a beer on my mess bill, came in around the 650 quid mark which hurt a bit as that was my 'Hong Kong' money!
You fill in a 'Honesty Chit' with your drinks and Goffers (Cans of Pop) and the Mess Treasurer bills you at the end of the month and you can have it taken out of your salary.
If there is an 'Official' engagement on board, which there usually is everytime they pull alongside in a foreign country then everything is moved onto the Forecastle under awnings and it's Gin and Tonics all the way with the local dignatories. Peter Withe was a guest on board when we were in HCM as he was there with the Thai Football team as the Manager and fancied a pint or seven.
CSB (Courage Sparkling Bitter) was on draught as was Guinness, Carling Black Label and Bulmers. Very popular when we got to Vladivostok along with the Famous Grouse!
The only time I got a tot of rum was from 'Nursey' as we 'crossed the line' (Equator) and I had to pay my respects as a 'Pongo' (Soldier) to the venerable **** Neptune! I also had to do it again, this time joining the 'Blue Nose Club' as we sailed into Antarctica.
Fcuking strange folk Sailors!