During Prohibition, many bars and clubs continued servng liquor illegally, as well as food and non-alcoholic bevarages. In most places there would be code words for various liquors, or patrons would have to ask for alcohol in roundabout ways for fear of being heard and arrested. A 'speakeasy' was a club in which the subterfuge was for one reason or another unnecessary--patrons could literally "speak easy" or order liquor without fear of consequences.
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A 'speakeasy' was American slang for an illegal premises selling alcohol during the Prohibition. Prohibition made the production, selling, drinking of alcohol a crime.
a speakeasy
The allure of 1920s speakeasy bars during Prohibition was the sense of rebellion and excitement they offered by providing illegal alcohol in a secretive and exclusive setting.
The Mafia was engaged in illegal activity by distilling and importing bootleg liquor. Much was trucked in from Canada. They were also suppliers and ownner/operators of places called Speakeasy's . You got in by mentioning a password or someone's name that had referred you to a particular establishment.
During the Prohibition era in the United States, a speakeasy was an illegal establishment that sold alcoholic beverages. These hidden bars operated secretly, often requiring a password or special invitation for entry. They were able to continue serving alcohol by operating discreetly and often bribing law enforcement officials.