Adam's ale to late 20th century, usage of the phrase has declined. The earliest known printed occurrence of "Adam's ale" is attributed to William Prynne's "The Soveraigne Power of Parliaments and Kingdomes", which was first printed in 1643.<ref name="Merriam-Webster/PoP"> Single occurrence dictionary definition sources for "Adam's ale": The term "Adam's Ale" gained popularity during the emergence of the temperance movement in the 1830s.<ref name="Epochs/JoATU1"> Single occurrence sources for "Adam's Ale" in relation to the temperance movement: [W]hat hurt will it do me to drink of this water?' Our father Adam had nothing better for his wedding-day, and before the earth was cursed,
Ale Houses Act 1551 35 of the Alehouse Act 1828 (9 Geo.4 c.61). Ale Houses Act 1551 The Ale Houses Act 1551 (5 & 6 Edw. 6 c. 25), or "An Act for Keepers of Ale-houses to be bound by Recognisances", sometimes the Licensing Act 1551, was an Act of the Parliament of England passed in 1552. It was passed to control the "abuses and disorders as are had and used in common ale-houses", and laid the foundation of modern licensing law. It provided that the Justices of the Peace were given power within their jurisdiction to stop the common selling of ale and