In 1919 in the USA the 18th Amendment to the Constitution made the manufacture, transport or sale of alcoholic drinks illegal. The Volstead Act, passed at the same time, declared any drink more than 5% proof alcoholic. This created a rise in organised gangs who took the oppurtunity to make money to sell illegal bootlegged alcohol. In 1933 the 21st amendment abolished prohibition because it just didn't work although the consumption of alcohol did decrease from before prohibition started.
What do we want BEER, When do we want it NOW
Speakeasies were illegal underground bars