Speakeasy originated in the 1920s Prohibition era. With all the social and financial burdens during this time, many believed that alcohol was to blame. Government leaders believed that they could improve the health of the city, as well as the health and wellbeing of the locals by putting a stop to the production and use of alcohol.
January 1920, the 18th amendment was put into effect which outlawed the production, importation, and sale of all alcohol. This put an end to all the local bars, they were forced to close their doors. But did they? This new law did not prohibit the consumption of alcohol, only the production was illegal.
I’m sure you’re asking what exactly is a “Speakeasy bar”? It is basically an establishment with a secret password, spoken into a peephole in the door, that gained entry where you could buy illegal alcohol. For people to continue to enjoy luxury cocktails and nightlife, the patrons would have to “speak quietly” or “speak easily” about the locations, to not get caught.
Speakeasies became very popular, especially with criminals and gangsters, such as Al Capone and Frank Costello. The sale of alcohol was very profitable, as still is today, and I am sure they didn’t mind breaking the law, seeing as they were already criminals.
On April 20, 2018, the Underground Speakeasy opened its doors for the very first time, here in lovely Las Vegas, NV. This year we celebrated its 4-year anniversary with a special unique roaring 20s celebration. They offered cocktails, moonshine tasting, and a live jazz band performed by Amanda King and her Probation Three.
The crowd was roaring with excitement. Many of the patrons dressed in 20’s attire and danced the night away, bringing back a memory of such a fabulous and exciting era. Many people hated this era, but it brought people together to dance and drink with friends and family. For many, this was their mental disengagement of the hard times they were enduring. Kind of like in today’s world, although we have much more options than I imagine they ever did. How do you digress and disengage from the everyday challenges? Check out the local Mob Museum for other historical blasts from past events.
Leave a comment and tell your secret go-to drink and favorite place to enjoy it.
A hammock on the beach perhaps!