In 1917, US Congress passed the prohibition act which prohibits the manufacture, transportation and sales of alcohol.  However, drinking alcohol is not prohibited.  The following picture depicted an alcohol retailer is closed because of violation of National Prohibition Act.  The alcohol beverage is prohibited in public.

Although alcoholic beverage is prohibit for manufacture, transportation and sale, drinking alcohol is not prohibited which created opportunities for alcohol smugglers.  After the Prohibition Act is enforced, many people started to sell alcohol as bootleggers.