As to question number 6 concerning the sale of alcohol by a
believer, as you state, obviously he should cease to deal in the sale of
alcohol in his shop. However, as he is a new believer and was engaged in this
business before becoming a Bahá'í, he should be given a reasonable opportunity
to find another means whereby he can earn a living and should be given every
assistance by the National Spiritual Assembly to do so. He should be treated
with patience and understanding, especially if he is making efforts to dispose
of this business and to seek other employment. However, if after a reasonable
time has elapsed and no effort has been made to comply with the Bahá'í law,
then, as a last resort, the Assembly would have no alternative but to suspend
his administrative rights.
- The Universal House of Justice (From a message
dated 13 March 1974 to a National Spiritual Assembly, The Compilation of
Compilations vol. II)
