Alcohol production, sales, and transportation were prohibited in the United States throughout the 1920s, a period known as the Prohibition era. However, there was still a great demand for alcohol, which led to the emergence of covert locations where individuals could still buy and enjoy alcohol. Speakeasies were the name given to these illicit businesses. But what distinguishes a speakeasy from a bar?
During the time of Prohibition, a hidden or secret location where people could buy and consume alcohol was known as a speakeasy. These places were often underground or behind a storefront, and admission needed a secret password. The phrase “speakeasy” originated from the practice of encouraging customers to speak quietly about the place in order to avoid being overheard by law officers.
In contrast, a bar is a recognized business that permits the sale of alcoholic beverages to patrons. Bars do not need to be hidden or secret, and there is no need for a password to enter, unlike speakeasies. The state issues licenses to bars, and in order to operate, they must abide by certain rules and laws.
Speakeasies were developed in large part due to bootleggers. During the Prohibition era, bootleggers were people or organizations that produced, moved, and sold alcohol illegally. They played a significant role in the illegal alcohol sector by frequently supplying alcohol to speakeasies. Although it was a very lucrative industry, bootlegging was also risky and frequently violent.
What makes bars known as speakeasies, then? The phrase has come to be associated with the Prohibition era and the black market for alcoholic beverages. The word “speakeasy” may still be used by bars today to inspire nostalgia or to create a distinctive ambiance. These contemporary speakeasies frequently have secret entrances, subdued lighting, and a retro look.
The Bar Hemingway in the Ritz Hotel in Paris is one of the most well-known bars in the entire globe. The bar, which bears Ernest Hemingway’s name, has a distinguished past and has hosted a number of notable visitors, including authors, artists, and celebrities. Both residents and tourists frequent the pub because of its reputation for classic drinks and upscale ambiance.
The major distinction between a speakeasy and a bar, then, is that speakeasies were illegal businesses that operated during the Prohibition era, whereas bars are legally permitted places that offer alcoholic beverages. But today, numerous clubs employ the phrase “speakeasy” to give their patrons a distinctive experience because it has grown to represent a particular vibe.
A bar is a legally permitted facility that provides alcoholic beverages, whereas a speakeasy was a speakeasy that operated illegally during the Prohibition era. The term “speakeasy” is frequently used today to refer to a bar that specializes in artisan drinks and has a nostalgic, vintage vibe. Although they might offer comparable services, the fundamental distinction between a speakeasy and a bar is their legal standing.
Because they were illegal businesses that ran covertly from 1920 to 1933 in the United States, bars during this time were referred to as speakeasies. In order to avoid drawing the notice of the police or prohibition officials, customers were required to speak quietly and “easy”. During this time, the phrase “speakeasy” gained popularity and is still frequently used to describe any pub or restaurant with a concealed or covert aspect.