Cigarettes and booze, tailors and carpenters

[Carvalho]

Dear members,

Examining 1887 written contracts of Goan tailors and carpenters working in Zanzibar, free grog and smokes was part of the contract. I recall in my childhood, traveling tailors and other tradesmen who worked from house to house, would have included as part of their payment, food for the day and some drink. Do we have any anecdotal or archival evidence that would explain or add weight as to why grog and cigarettes would become part of written contracts for tailors and carpenters?

Many thanks,

selma