Alcohol sales, production, and transportation were all prohibited in the US during Prohibition. People continued to drink despite this, and illicit nightclubs started to spring up all throughout the nation. Speakeasies were these clandestine places, and they were quite important to the social and cultural environment of the period.
But why were speakeasy names like “tigers” used? The code language that was employed to conceal the presence of these clubs holds the key to the solution. The police, who were seen to be the largest threat to speakeasies, were referred to as “tigers.” When someone yelled, “The tigers are coming,” it was time to leave immediately because the police were on their way. Speakeasies were renowned for their exclusivity and secrecy. They were frequently concealed behind unmarked doors or passed for other enterprises, like a bakery or a flower shop. One needed to know the password or have a frequent customer vouch for them in order to enter. This increased the attractiveness and thrill of the speakeasy culture, which drew a wide range of people from various social backgrounds. During the Prohibition era, speakeasy activity was rife in New York City. At their heyday, the city’s speakeasies are thought to have employed more than 30,000 people. Small, cozy taverns to spacious, complex nightclubs with live music and dancing were among them.
While many speakeasies from the Prohibition era no longer exist, New York City still has a few. The Back Room on the Lower East Side, which is reached through a concealed door in a storefront, is one of the most well-known. In an homage to the practice of serving alcoholic beverages in teapots during Prohibition, the bar continues to serve drinks in teacups.
Last but not least, the 21 Club, which is still active today, derived its name from its initial address of 21 West 52nd Street. Celebrities and politicians frequented the club because they liked its discreetness and opulent ambiance. The club featured a sophisticated network of tunnels and covert entrances during Prohibition that allowed the employees to quickly get rid of booze in the event of a police raid.
In conclusion, throughout the Prohibition era, speakeasies had a big impact on American history and culture. The police were referenced in their nick moniker “tigers,” as they were considered a perpetual danger to their way of life. Even though many of these illicit nightclubs have vanished over the years, their influence is still felt in the shape of contemporary speakeasies that celebrate this interesting era in history.
Alcohol that has been produced, distributed, or sold without the necessary authorizations and permits is known as bootleg alcohol. The manufacturing, sale, and distribution of alcohol were outlawed in the US from 1920 to 1933, which encouraged the growth of bootleg booze and the speakeasy scene.