Speakeasies and Prohibition

_Elsa_

Tiffi has heard about prohibition but never read anything on speakeasies. Curiosity gets to here and her googling continues ………….

“Speakeasies were illegal drinking dens, saloons or nightclubs that sold illicit alcoholic beverages during the Prohibition Era (1920 - 1933). During the Prohibition it was illegal to sell, manufacture or transport alcoholic beverages (bootlegging) throughout the United States of America, although it was not against the law drink alcohol. Speakeasies (speak-easies) was a nickname for these bars because patrons had to whisper code words to enter the establishments. Speakeasies claimed to sell soft drinks but served liquor behind the scenes. 'Bootlegging' became widespread as Prohibition gangsters took control of the distribution of alcohol and the 'Speakeasies' of the Roaring Twenties which ultimately led to the rise of organized crime in America.”  (Info from here)

“The result of Prohibition was a major and permanent shift in American social life. The illicit bars, also referred to as “blind pigs” and “gin joints,” multiplied, especially in urban areas. They ranged from fancy clubs with jazz bands and ballroom dance floors to dingy backrooms, basements and rooms inside apartments. No longer segregated from drinking together, men and women reveled in speakeasies and another Prohibition-created venue, the house party. Restaurants offering booze targeted women, uncomfortable sitting at a bar, with table service. Italian-American speakeasy owners sparked widespread interest in Italian food by serving it with wine. 

Organized criminals quickly seized on the opportunity to exploit the new lucrative criminal racket of speakeasies and clubs and welcomed women in as patrons. In fact, organized crime in America exploded because of bootlegging. Al Capone, leader of the Chicago Outfit, made an estimated $60 million a year supplying illegal beer and hard liquor to thousands of speakeasies he controlled in the late 1920s.” (Info from here)

Wow, she never even thought about organized crime and the effects that took place because of illegal drinking. She makes a mental note that she has to share all of this with Kimmy.

Let's continue with the next part of our story – Events for the 2020 festival

Start at the beginning – Preparing for the Twins Day Festival