Hershel is a former alcoholic who spent a lot of time at the Carriage Bar before the birth of his daughter Maggie. After giving up drinking on the day of Maggie's birth, Hershel went so far as to ban all alcohol from his house to avoid temptation. Hershel relapsed following the barn massacre, but once again gave up drinking immediately afterwards, telling Dave and Tony this during the confrontation in the bar.