Speakeasies

A speakeasy, also also known as a blind pig or blind tiger, is an establishment that illegally sells alcoholic beverages. Basically a secret bar, these establishments were built in the United States during the Prohibition era. During the Prohibition era the transportation, sale and manufacture of alcoholic beverages was illegal throughout the United States. Speakeasies largely disappeared after Prohibition was ended in 1933.

Speakeasies popped up everywhere. People had said that as soon as the owner could get a padlock for the door, the speakeasy was good to go. It has also been said that for every legal saloon before Prohibition, at least half a dozen speakeasies were put up After Prohibition. There were few speakeasies that were broken into, it did not really help enforce Prohibition. Most of  the bars of the early twentieth century were mainly hang outs for men. However, speakeasies were open to both men and women. Jazz also became popular during this era, the speakeasies provided an outlet for musicians to play and have a good time.

Speakeasies were also one of the reasons prohibition failed. They made it easy for people to get alcohol. There also just was not enough money, or police power to stop illegal places like speakeasies from popping up. Corruption also had a lot to do with the reason why prohibition ended up failing. A lot of wealthy citizens fed gangs that were making a lot of money from their appetite for alcohol. Even elected officials fell into the trap of speakeasies. They needed their alcohol too.
 
Sources:
http://www.albany.edu/wm731882/speakeasiesfinal.html
http://theroaringtwentieshistory.blogspot.com/2010/06/prohibition-and-speakeasies.html