Before 1973 tobacco use barred a Witness from headquarters service, pioneering and the travelling ministry, but was not a ground for removal from the congregation; the organisation later described such habits as “at first merely frowned upon”.

“In 1935, The Watchtower called tobacco “the filthy weed” and noted that no one who chose to chew it or smoke it could remain a member of the Bethel family or serve as a representative of God’s organization in the pioneer work or the traveling ministry. In 1973 a further moral refinement came. … Those who refused to give up the misuse of tobacco were to be disfellowshipped.”

“As a result of increased light, habits at first merely frowned upon were later handled with appropriate gravity. An example of this was in connection with the use of tobacco. … Since 1973 it has been clearly understood that no tobacco user can be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. In 1976 it was clarified that no Witness could be employed in a gambling establishment and remain in the congregation.”