Prohibition's Lasting Impact on NYC Nightlife

Ideas with the best of intentions often have unintended consequences. Author Daniel Okrent's upcoming book, Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition, looks at how that era of illegal boozing helped create the modern era of drinking and partying that has lasted through the 21st century. How so? The male only saloon was replaced with co-ed speakeasies, finally bringing men and women together with alcohol. Like today's venues, these speakeasies also provided both entertainment in the form of jazz and table service, and had customers ordering brand name liquors instead of the no-name "spirits" that some speakeasies passed off. Finally, it made secret bars cool, a trend that unfortunately has refused to die. So instead of bowing at the feet of Steve Rubell, let's give credit to the real creators of New York City nightlife: Dr. Benjamin Rush and the temperance movement!
· Our Wet Debt [NYM]
· Speakeasy Coverage [~ENY~]