People from puritanical cultures rationalise their opposition to other people consuming alcohol.

Ad hominem arguments cut both ways.

Your argument is misguided and tries to make the issue about the cultural background of the people making the argument rather than the merits of the argument itself. Most of the researchers I've worked with consume alcohol, they are taking an informed risk and are okay with that. There is not so much opposition as it is a reaction to having seen what alcohol does to the body and people.