User:Mirisaki/sandbox

Prohibition in the United States, as a ban prohibiting the production and sale of alcoholic beverages, took place between 1920-1933. Prohibition in Washington D.C., however, began as early as 1893 with the formation of the Anti-Saloon League (ASL), founded by Congregational minister Howard Russell. One of the more infamous members of the Anti-Saloon League was Wayne Wheeler who really spearheaded the movement to drain American dry of alcohol. The Anti-Saloon League, being initially based in Washington D.C., heavily influenced the creation and passing of the Jones-Works Excise Bill in July 1, 1913. The Jones-Works Excise Bill put heavy restrictions on saloons, with the understanding that it would restrict the peoples' access to alcohol since most saloons were owned by the breweries and distilleries. In effect, the bill increased the licensing fees, required saloons to be located at least four hundred feet away from schools and churches, and reduced the number of saloons. By 1914, the number of saloons had gone down from 525 to 300. The bill did not completely choke-hold the saloon business as saloons did manage to wrangle a few concessions, mainly the right to remain open till 1:00 a.m. and on Sundays.

The prohibition movement soon began to gain ground under Wayne Wheeler's efforts. Wheeler was ruthless and tireless in his efforts to advance the ASL's cause. He invented the term "pressure group" to refer to his tactics in gaining both Republican and Democratic supporters in voting "dry," even if they were "wet" in their personal lives.